{jumi [iRollover/iRollover.php] [2006/nationals][Phil and Emma Hackney][Andrew Leslie and Rachel Roberts][Richard and Nicky Lambert][Start 3][Ian Gregory & Paul Wilkes][Winner: Alan Williams & Liz Crouch]}

Bridlington Sailing Club 26th: 28th August

15 Boats entered the event hosted by the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, Bridlington from Budworth SC in Cheshire, Maldon YC in Essex, Blue Circle SC in Kent, and from the two Orkeney clubs Holm and Stromness.

Day 1 the initial gentle breeze fell off to only just enough to beat the tide, giving taxing and shifty conditions. Mark Antonelli and Susan Robertson maintained their early lead to take the first win of the 6 races over the 3 day event. Race 2 to was sailed with an improved 8 knots and husband and wife team Richard and Niki Lambert worked their way forward to win what was (as all of them turned out to be) a close fought race.

Day 2 saw a delightful force 3 build quickly to a force 4. AlanWilliams crewed by Liz Crouch took 1st place in Race 3. The 4th race was won by yet another pairing, brother Iain and Richard Marshall. The whole fleet were tested as they powered their way through th strong gusts. After lunch the force 5 offshore wind was well set with stonger gusts testing the slightly depleted fleet. The Marshalls kept their heads to take race 5 chased closely by Williams and Crouch.

Day 3 and the final race begun in 22 knots of wind and rising. With ¼ of a point separating the top three crews, there was everything to play for. The Marshalls gained a 10 second lead over Williams/Crouch at the 1st windward mark of the triangular course. After a screaming reach, positions were reversed as Williams/Crouch stretched a lead to 45 seconds by the wing mark on the second time round. The Marshalls reeled back in to within 20 seconds by the final (leeward) mark, but it was not enough to stop Williams and Crouch taking their 2nd win and top spot overall.

Written by Mark Antonelli