HolidayCottages Tasar National Championships 2025 at Whitstable Yacht Club - Day 2

HolidayCottages Tasar National Championships at Whistable - Day 1 © Sam Turner

After a noisy night of thunderstorms and torrential rain, the Tasar fleet woke to the anticipated fresh to strong westerly breeze and warm sunshine.

Having got in the lead in 2 races the previous day without winning, Ian Swann and Spike Daniels had a close tussle with Paul and Bronwyn Ridgway to win Race 4.

Lightweight team Mark Barnes and Joe Barton finished third ahead of Team Hawkins followed by the Sayces.

The fleet greatly appreciated the fast turn around of races provided by the Race Team and Race 5 soon got under way.

Conditions proved to be even more challenging as the seas kicked up, providing screaming reaches and exciting runs. Jeremy and Suzanne Hawkins revelled in the conditions and finished well ahead of Barnsey and Joe followed by Ian and Spike.

The last race of the day saw a reduced number of starters with only 10 crossing the starting line. The wind seemed even stronger with bigger gusts up the first beat. The Hawkins soon had a lead that they had no difficulty keeping until the finish. Ian and Spike were 2nd with Paul and Bronwyn finished 3rd despite doing penalty turns after an incident with Barnsey.

Barnsey subsequently lost his pole and took a detour looking for it which meant his hopes of catching the Sayces were frustrated. The German Team of Stephan Heim and Suzanne Schwikert showed great speed to windward in the stronger conditions and enjoyed close competition with ex champions Rick and Sarah Perkins.

Strong winds, bright sunshine and big waves combined with slick race management: Tasar sailing at its best.

Results after Day 2: