Unicorn Nationals at Stone Sailing Club

Gary Piper wins the Unicorn nationals during the Stone SC regatta © John James O’Brien / First Focus Photography

A fleet of eleven Unicorns met for their Nationals as part of the Stone SC Regatta.

Race 1 - F2~3

Bob Dorks led the way closely followed by John Wade & Peter Toft. Gary Piper had started mid fleet but had worked his way up to 2nd place by the end of the 2nd lap. Wade led briefly on the 3rd lap before Piper powered through on the beat. The final lap saw Piper take the win, Dorks worked some of his magic, passing Wade for 2nd.

Race 2 – F2~3

Wade led up the first beat with Piper half a boat length behind. They battled around the first lap with Piper taking the lead at the start of the 2nd lap. Toft was chasing the pair hard and Wade got his tiller jammed during a tack and came very close to capsizing, letting Toft through to take 2nd place.

Race 3

Iain Rogers emerged in front and led the pack back to the A mark. During the 2nd lap, Piper started to stamp his authority on the race, stretching out a good lead. Wade got a great lift in the fluctuating conditions and managed to get in front of Dorks and Toft to take 2nd place.

Race 4 – F0~1

The fleet started in variable conditions with Julius Mach taking the lead followed closely by Piper and Dorks. Mach and Piper battled all the way round the lap with hardly a boat length between them at any time. Piper had got slightly ahead, spotting mark 6 before Mach and in a very tight finish, Piper beat Mach by 4s over the line.

Race 5 – F3~4

Everyone got away well with Piper hitting the front early followed by Dorks, Toft and Wade. Nobody could match Piper’s boat speed as he stretched a good lead. Wade, Toft and Dorks battled for all the remaining laps, finishing in that order.

Race 6 – F3~4

David Elias got a cracking start and led the fleet chased by Dorks who tacked in error at the first mark. Piper took the lead followed by Taylor and Wade but they all took the wrong course. Toft seized the advantage to take the lead. Over the next two laps, Wade gradually closed down on Toft, but he took the win by 29s.

Race 7 – F1~2

With a biased line, half the fleet started on port. At the windward mark Toft was leading followed by Piper, and Mach. Toft spotted the wing mark first, holding the lead from Wade and Piper. On the final lap, Toft was leading with Piper taking 2nd at the leeward mark. However, another wind shift arrived and Wade took full advantage to regain 2nd.

We would like to say a particular thank you to Stone SC who laid on such an excellent event, great races, great weather and great apres sailing events.

Overall Results: (Click here to fill in Gear Guide information)