Devon Yawl Nationals at Yealm Yacht Club
by Laura Tregonning 21 Jun 2004 12:38 BST
12-13 June 2004
The eighth Devon Yawl National Championships were hosted by the Yealm Yacht Club. 29 Yawls enjoyed superb racing over Olympic style courses in Wembury Bay.
The first race, sailed in perfect conditions, bright sunshine and a force 3 – 4 breeze was won by local sailor Simon Cronk, who led the fleet from the second beat having sailed through early leader Ed Williams-Hawkes (Topsham SC).
The North westerly breeze remained constant throughout the day and the second and third races were both won convincingly by the Paul Jacobs, followed by Andrew Hudson (Yealm YC) and Simon Cronk in the second and third races respectively.
With a forecast for fog and 4 knots of wind on Sunday morning, competitors were pleasantly surprised to wake up to bright sunshine and by the start of the fourth race a somewhat erratic sea breeze had filled in. The fourth race was won by Alan Winton, followed by Paul Jacobs, whilst the fifth race was won by former class champion Andrew Hattersley, followed by Alan Winton.
As ever consistent results paid handsomely and the championship was won convincingly by Paul Jacobs, for the third year running, with 7 points, followed by Andrew Hattersley, 14 points, and Simon Cronk 15 points.
Overall Results:
1. Paul Jacobs and Dan Jacobs (DY 343 Jackpot) Topsham SC (3,1,1,2)
2. Andrew Hattersley and Willie Hamilton (DY184 Amadeus) Topsham SC (4,4,5,1)
3. Simon Cronk and Russell Weston, (DY 80 Second Wind) Yealm YC ( 1,5,2,7)
4. Stewart Price and Bruce Maclagan, (DY 36 Bale Out) Topsham SC (7,3,4,3)
5. Alan Winton and Andrew Thompson ( DY9 Winnie) Yealm YC (6,10,1,2)