Wanderer National Championship at Whitstable Yacht Club

Race 3 start during the Wanderer Nationals at Whitstable © R Govier

Ten Wanderers gathered at Whitstable during the last week of August and the first weekend of September. Wanderer East, a series of cruises up the Swale and over to the island of Sheppey was held during the week.

On Saturday and Sunday the boats competed for the Ian Proctor Wanderer Nationals and Gavin Barr trophies over four races.

Saturday's races were held in a moderate force three out of the North East. The first start was into a flood tide with an even start line. W 1819 Helmed by Colin Gilbert and crewed by Geoff Floyd led at the first mark closely followed by 1282 helmed by Tim Barr with Jack Skipper as crew.

Race 1 from the committee boat during the Wanderer Nationals at Whitstable - photo © P Meadowcroft

These two boats pulled away from the fleet with 1819 ho1ding on to the lead until the second windward mark when 1282 managed to sail over them at the start of the reach and extended through to the end. In third place was 1004 helmed by Ian Simpson and crewed by David Bardwell who managed to hold of 1795 helmed by Lindsey Weatherley and crewed by Neil Weatherley who finished a creditable 4th.

Spinnakers flying during the Wanderer Nationals at Whitstable - photo © S Turner

By the second race the tide had turned and there was a starboard bias to the line. Once again 1819 led at the start but was passed on the beat by 1282 who again extended through to the finish. 1004 finished in second with 1819 in third.

In the evening the Wanderer sailors and friends enjoyed a fantastic Scandinavian themed meal cooked by Hanne Malinnen-Scott. This was followed by a fun quiz hosted by Elizabeth Doggart with the assistance of Jack Skipper. Team Baa (don't ask) took the honours. The evening continued with music by Jeremy Scott.

Sunday forecast was for light northerly winds but by the start time of 2:00 pm a pleasant force three from the North East had established itself which freshened slightly during the racing. Race officer Robert Govier, a Tornado sailor, set a significantly longer course than for the previous day by RO Phil Emery.

Heading to the windward mark during race 3 of the Wanderer Nationals at Whitstable - photo © R Govier

Tide was against for the start of the third race and the usual suspects were at the front again. In the last race of the series the tide had just starting to turn and a fresher breeze had set in making for some surfing conditions down wind and a challenging tight spinnaker reach down the third leg of the triangle. 1282 took their fourth bullet of the regatta with 1004 in second and 1819 third, these two boats finishing with equal points but 1004 gaining second position on the final race result.

The fleet made its way to shore where prize-giving was held. Our thanks to Whitstable Yacht Club for great racing and for a very sociable weekend.

T Barr and J Skipper; the Ian Proctor Wanderer National Trophy and Gavin Barr trophy at the Wanderer Nationals at Whitstable - photo © Liz North

2.The Wanderer “Start as You Mean To Go On” cannon trophy, I Hay and K Ahern at the Wanderer Nationals at Whitstable - photo © Liz North

Sailing with friends in the Wanderer Nationals at Whitstable - photo © Liz North

Overall Results:

Prizes: