Please select your home edition
Edition
Motomuck SaltyMuck Static 728 x 90 px TOP

UK Nacra 15 National Championship at Weston Sailing Club

by Grace Buckley & Ffion Cerrato 25 Sep 19:31 NZST 21-22 September 2024
UK Nacra 15 Nationals at Weston © Joanne Hill

With the sun shining and the wind starting to fill in at Weston Sailing Club we had a late start on Saturday due to the tide. With a predicted forecast of 10-15 knots, the Race Officer planned to complete 4 short windward, leeward races (each around 30-35 minutes long).

Before we launched, we had a short briefing with coach Theo Williams to talk through the conditions and prepare us for what to expect during the day. This event was the selection event for the 24/25 season's British Youth Sailing Team and Theo spent the weekend watching some of 'the closest Nacra 15 racing' he's seen in a long time.

Race 1 started with a brilliant port hand flyer from Marcus King and Maddie Jinks, leading to them finishing in first- closely followed by Eliza Pritchard and Will Boalch. The wins in race 2 and 3 were also secured by Marcus and Maddie, with Ffion Cerrato and Patrick Hill taking second in both races. This was impressive work by Marcus and Maddie, as one of the newest class pairings this season. In the final race of the day Ffion and Patrick fought off Maddie and Marcus to take the win, with Ella Harris and Finn Caddy taking third place. Racing remained tight all day, with different teams taking the lead around the course and many place changes occurring throughout.

Everyone enjoyed an evening BBQ prepared by Morven and the Bespoke Dining team, ending the night with a dance party, joined by our new friends from the Shearwater fleet.

The evening drew to a close with Maddie and Marcus in the lead and a close battle between the next 3 boats, ready to be settled during Sunday's scheduled two races.

A lazy morning lay in in was enjoyed by everyone on Sunday before the class AGM at 10am- where we discussed our future plans for growing the class and elected our new Class Committee. With the weather outside looking miserable, everyone had to dig deep and prepare for the 2 races!

As we launched the wind was looking promising, however we were soon to discover the inconsistent nature of the wind, that would make the days racing very challenging. Race 5 was won by Eliza and Will as they displayed great downwind tactics and lay lines to hold off Marcus and Maddie, swiftly followed by Ella and Finn. Marcus and Maddie took the win again for the final race of the event, proving to everyone how quick they have become with just a little time sailing together.

When everyone headed in the weather started to brighten up and the prize-giving was being set up in the club house. We all derigged our boats ready to put them on the trailers for our next training weekend at WPNSA in Portland and headed to the changing rooms to warm up.

The UK Nacra 15 National Championship results were announced with Marcus and Maddie taking a well deserved win, Patrick and Ffion in second and Will and Eliza taking third, after a close battle with Finn and Ella. Standings were tight across the rest of the fleet, with Tom Peace and Emilia Laker showcasing their recent improvement which led to them being awarded the prize for most improved sailors.

Thanks to the team at Weston SC for a great weekend ashore and afloat, particularly Olly Harris and Chris King for the event organisation and Tim Mitchell our Race Officer.

If you're interested in joining the fastest and friendliest Youth class in the UK please contact us via nacra15uk@gmail.com or drop us a message on the "UK Nacra 15 Sailors" Facebook Group. With Helms and Crews looking for partners and good used boats available in the UK there's never been a better time to get involved!

Overall Results:

PosSail NoHelmCrewClubR1R2R3R4R5R6Pts
1st378Marcus KingMaddie JinksWSC111‑2216
2nd70Patrick HillFfion CerratoSwarkestone / Warsash3221‑4311
3rd253Will BoalchEliza PritchardExe Sailing Club23‑441414
4th166Finn CaddyElla HarrisWSC‑44333215
5th184Thomas PeaceEmilia LakerWarsash/Weston SC‑66565527
6th338Sam TurnerAmelic AndrewSwanage SC5565‑7627
7th330Anna CoxCharlotte CoxRoyal Victoria Yacht Club‑87886736
8th126Matthew EmersonGrace BuckleyWSC7‑8778837

Related Articles

Nacra 15 Winter Training Camp 2 at the WPNSA
Introducing the Decision Mark Nacra 15 Winter Camp 2, took place at WPNSA over the weekend. With this being the first camp after the World Championships in Barcelona, all teams were ready to reflect on lessons learnt as we prepare for the international events upcoming in 2025. Posted on 20 Nov
Entries open for Foiling Week Pensacola 2025
Bringing the excitement of cutting-edge foiling technology and thrilling watersports With four months to go, entries are now open for Foiling Week Pensacola 2025, the multi-class "World Sailing Special Event" to be held in Florida. Posted on 24 Oct
Nacra 15 Winter Training Camp 1 at the WPNSA
Big wave practice, boat handling and upwind boat speed technique For the Nacra 15 UK fleet, our Winter training camp 1 at the WPNSA started on Saturday with a nice breeze increasing throughout the day. Posted on 9 Oct
US Sailing Youth Racing Camps
Applications due October 1st US Sailing invites youth racing sailors in the youth worlds classes: ILCA 6, Formula Kite, iQFOiL, i420, 29er, and Nacra 15 to apply for an invitation to the US Sailing Youth Racing Camps presented by Risk Strategies. Posted on 20 Sep
Nacra 15 Summer Training Camp at Windsport
Four days of pre Nationals & Worlds training in Falmouth The UK Nacra 15 Class congregated for four days of pre Nationals & Worlds training at Windsport International, Falmouth from August 15th to 18th. Posted on 20 Aug
U.S. brings home three bronze medals
At the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships in Lake Garda, Italy After five days of intense racing on Lake Garda, Italy, the United States concluded the regatta with three podium finishes and six top five finishes at the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships. Posted on 22 Jul
Italy celebrate week of dominance on home waters
Italy retained their Nations Trophy in style Italy retained their Nations Trophy in style as a tremendous week at the Youth Sailing World Championships 2024 was capped off with closing ceremony celebrations in Riva. Posted on 20 Jul
Youth Sailing World Championships overall
Brazilian kite win on day of dominance for Italy Brazil's Lucas Pes Fonseca sealed the men's Formula Kite title on a day otherwise dominated by Italians as 10 more Youth Sailing World Championships winners were crowned. Posted on 19 Jul
Youth Sailing World Championships day 4
Greek duo claim first title Danai Giannouli and Iakovina Kerkezou wrote themselves into the Youth Sailing World Championships history books by claiming a maiden crown at the event on Lake Garda. Posted on 18 Jul
The Belgian siblings following in family footsteps
Youth Sailing World Championships reveals all sorts of sailing DNA There is sailing DNA in Belgium's Borghijs family. Nacra 15 sister and brother crew Hannelien, 17, and Sander, 15, do not have to look far for inspiration with regards to where they want to be in the near future. Posted on 18 Jul
37th AC Store 2024-two-728X90 BOTTOMLloyd Stevenson - Catalyst GT 1456x180px BOTTOMMotomuck SaltyMuck Static 728 x 90 px BOTTOM