Noble Marine Streaker National Championship at Stone Sailing Club - Day 1

Stone Sailing Club welcomed a record entry of 65 boats to the Blackwater estuary for the Noble Marine Streaker National Championship. The bumper entry this year is not such a surprise to Streaker sailors as they looked forward to a competitive but friendly event, on and off the water.

The Streaker class over recent years has seen an increase in interest leading to new boats being purchased from both Hartley Boats and Butler Boats. This has led to a very buoyant second-hand market for Streakers, boats being snapped up very quickly as soon as advertised.

Start of Race 1 on day 1 of the Noble Marine Streaker National Championship at Stone Sailing Club - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

The first race was held in a force 2-3 Northerly coming across the estuary. The windward mark was set over towards the northern shore and seemed like a black dot for some, as sailors searched the horizon. Everybody behaved well for the 1st start, the pin end being favourite as Rachael Gray tacked to cross the fleet on port. Those off the start that were able to tack immediately benefitted from a good port tack away, along with a strong flooding tide. Also away well was Rachael's husband, Pete, along with Tom Gillard and Richard Hanby. The long port tack paid as Tom and then Pete came around the 1st mark in first and 2nd and Richard Hanby 3rd. These three were clear as they headed down the sausage leg of the course, Richard pulling through Pete on the 2nd beat. Tom extended his lead to the finish. Bringing up the chasing pack Martin Penty (2023 Streaker National Champion) pulled through to 4th.

Martin Penty second in race 2 on day 1 of the Noble Marine Streaker National Championship at Stone Sailing Club - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

The second race was sailed in similar conditions to race 1, the wind though was beginning to back towards the west. As such the pin end became very popular, such that the race officer called a general recall allowing us all to try again. It still seemed like a bit of a rugby scrum at the pin end, but the fleet was away under a U flag. Again, getting away onto port was key, but the wind was starting to shift. Tom again rounded 1st followed by Pete, Dave Adams and Martin Penty. Pete went low on the run and lost 2 places to Dave and Martin. Pete pulled back a place on the next beat, by which time Tom and Martin battled for the lead, which Tom held until the final beat, where Martin, on splitting tacks with Tom, picked up a nice lift on port. Even so, they came very close together at the last windward mark. Tom nipped around Martin's transom on starboard and rounded the mark first. Tom then held Martin at bay to the finish.

Tom Gillard leading after day 1 of the Noble Marine Streaker National Championship at Stone Sailing Club - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

So, at the end of day one, Tom Gillard is in pole position, with Pete Gray and Martin Penty in hot pursuit.

The Streaker Nationals is generously sponsored by Noble Marine, Hartley Boats, Allen Brothers and Fernhurst Books.

Results after Day 1: