Lightning 368 National Championships 2024 at Chase Sailing Club

Lightning 368 National Championships at Chase SC © Chris Anderson

The 2024 Lightning 368 National Championships, held at Chase Sailing Club on the 14th and 15th of September, was a fantastic weekend of competitive racing, excellent weather, and social fun. With mild temperatures, sunshine, and a varying breeze that kept the sailors on their toes, it was an ideal setting for the 29 competitors battling it out in a thrilling six-race series.

Saturday kicked off with four back-to-back races, two in the morning followed by a break for lunch, and two more in the afternoon. The fleet was eager to make the most of the first day, and Robert Claridge set the pace early, winning three out of the four races. His dominance on the water was impressive, but Penny Yarwood from Up River Yacht Club claimed the second race, ensuring the competition remained fierce.

Meanwhile, Simon Hopkins, Caroline Hollier, and Jeremy Cooper were in the thick of the action, pushing hard for top positions and ensuring every race was closely contested. The starts were particularly exciting, with many sailors timing them perfectly. The fleet, led by the excellent race management of OOD Paul Lester, behaved impeccably, making for clean and competitive starts.

Mid-fleet, battles for position were intense, with places changing frequently, adding to the excitement. There were a couple of capsizes as some less-experienced sailors struggled with the shifting breeze, but the Chase rescue team responded quickly, ensuring all competitors were safe and back in the race.

Lightning 368 National Championships at Chase SC - photo © Chris Anderson

After a thrilling day of racing, the sailors headed ashore, where the Chase Sailing Club provided a warm welcome with a splendid fish and chip supper, lovingly prepared by Trish Blackham and her galley team. The evening continued with entertainment from the club's resident DJ, Steve T. As the red wine and cask ales flowed, the dancefloor soon filled with sailors eager to celebrate the day's efforts. The night ended with a bottle of Sambuca for the hardcore sailors who wanted to keep the fun going long into the night.

Sunday: Tired but Determined Sunday morning saw some sore heads and tired faces after the previous evening's celebrations, but the competitors remained determined as the final two races began at 10:30 am sharp. Once again, Robert Claridge dominated, securing another victory in the fifth race, closely followed by Caroline Hollier, Jeremy Cooper, and Simon Hopkins.

The sixth and final race was pivotal, with everything still to play for. The breeze on the start line shifted unpredictably, making it a challenge for sailors to judge the best position to start from. Penny Yarwood and Caroline Hollier had exceptional starts and engaged in a thrilling battle for first place. Penny came out on top, securing 1st, with Caroline taking 2nd. Robert Claridge finished 3rd, while Tony Jacks from Bartley Sailing Club and Andrew Yuille from Cookham Reach Sailing Club secured 4th and 5th, respectively.

The weekend was a great success, with smiling faces both on and off the water. The racing was exciting, and the camaraderie among the sailors was evident. After packing up their boats, the competitors gathered once more in the bar for the prize-giving ceremony.

Commodore Dave Watkins thanked all the volunteers, rescue teams, and competitors for their contributions to another memorable Lightning 368 Nationals. A special mention was made to Delyth Hopkins from The Chase Sailing Club, who was awarded 1st Junior, having sailed impeccably throughout the weekend.

Lightning 368 National Championships at Chase SC - photo © Chris Anderson

The 2024 Lightning 368 National Championships at The Chase Sailing Club was a weekend to remember. The sailing was thrilling, with competitive racing across the fleet, shifting winds testing the sailors' skills, and a warm, friendly atmosphere both on and off the water. The social events, from the fish and chip supper to the lively DJ-fuelled evening, were a hit with everyone, and the hospitality provided by the club was second to none.

The Lightning 368 Nationals keep getting better each year, and this one was no exception - a perfect combination of competitive spirit, social fun, and excellent organization. Here's to another great year for the Lightning 368 fleet!

Overall Results:
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Robbie Claridge wins the Lightning 368 National Championships at Chase SC - photo © Chris Anderson