UK Nacra 15 National Championship at Weston Sailing Club

UK Nacra 15 Nationals at Weston © Joanne Hill

UK Nacra 15 Nationals at Weston © Joanne Hill

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.

UK Nacra 15 Nationals at Weston - photo © Roger Cerrato

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!

UK Nacra 15 Nationals at Weston - photo © Roger Cerrato

Overall Results: