2024

PSUK National Dinghy Sailing Championships
hosted by West Midlands Police
12-13th June, 2024
at
SHUSTOKE SAILING CLUB


Reservoir Drive, Shustoke, Coleshill, B46 2BE. Tel: 01675 481597

 

For a second year the championships took place at Shustoke Sailing Club; this time the glorious sunshine was missing but it stayed dry. The results indicate that a total of 28 entries representing 11 Forces took part. Amongst the number of new faces competing this year were also some welcome from the distant past. One hopes that this bodes well for the future. The Met, Avon & Somerset and Cheshire all brought strong teams to the event. For the first race on Day One conditions were very light and positioning on the start-line was crucial. With just one Comet over the line, the main fleet got away well but a few took a while getting over the start-line. As expected the faster rated boats soon left the rest behind with Rob Jones (Devoti D-ONE) leading, followed by Andy Taverner (Phantom) and Stuart Jenkins (Merlin Rocket). On the second lap the Merlin overtook the D-ONE as the wind became patchy and boats including Jones were momentarily stationary. Another problem was weed and, as a result, the D-ONE retired along with last year's champion Simon Hawkes (K1). Nevertheless the rest of the fleet travelled on for the slower handicapped boats to come to the fore. On corrected time the winner was Olly Saunders (Solo) by over 2 minutes, second the Merlin and Kerry Morgan (Laser Radial) 3rd. During lunchtime the wind dropped completely and the start of Race Two was delayed. A different course and this time the D-ONE stretched away from the start to develop a healthy lead by the second lap followed by the K1 then Nick Mason (Phantom). Slower rated boats were also doing well with Olly Saunders (Solo), Charlie Devonport (Albacore) and Pete Walker (Laser) not far behind. Slowly the wind dropped and the fleet became well spread out. The Solo fell away in a hole. On the water the D-One had done well but on corrected time ended in 6th place. Simon 1st, Andy Tav 2nd, Olly 3rd. After finishing the race  Stu brought his clinker built Merlin quickly ashore for repairs with Duck tape where the planking had developed a leak. Race Three was back to back; same course. During the countdown the wind had changed direction and gave a pin end bias to the start which gave a distinct advantage when it became time to tack onto port. The two 2000's and the Comets were left behind. As the race developed the usual suspects at the head of the fleet were chased by the Albacore, then a big gap to Frank Lafferty (Supernova), Alex Piggott (Laser) and the Solo. Despite being well over 2 minutes behind the D-One, on corrected time Simon came 1st, Olly was 2nd and the Essex Albacore 3rd Day 2, Race 4. The morning had started with the wind off the clubhouse but then at times changed nearly 180º for the start. The wind remained variable both in strength and direction catching a number of boats out and leading to the odd capsize or gear failure. The D-One lead the fleet around the course with the two Phantoms following. Then came a Laser - Alex Piggott  -  even ahead of the K1, then the Albacore. Negotiating one of the marks, the 2000 with Kim Huxtable and Malcolm Dykes tipped over, throwing Malcolm against something hard and, hearing a crack in the rib area, accepted assistance from the rescue boat and called it a day. Harvey Rose suffered a gear failure which lead to retirement. The gusts had caught a few out. The Phantoms vied with each other throughout the race with Nick Mason beating his Met compatriot Andy Taverner. Race 5. So, on to the final race with the wind still playing tricks. After the first beat had sorted out the field, the Lasers were again finding the course to their liking with Alex Piggott and Pete Walker well up with the leaders. Not so Rob Jones who suffered with weed. Local sailor Olly evidently knew the best way round the course to score another 1st with Kerry 2nd and Alex Piggott 3rd. Congratulations to all the trophy winners and particularly to the hosts West Midlands Police, the cadets and the staff of Shustoke Sailing Club for an excellently well run event. R.S.

Organisers/Contact:
Harvey Rose
Email: harvey.rose@westmidlands.police.uk

Olly Saunders
 

Previous regattas:-

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010