SigneT National Championships at Ullswater Yacht Club

Excellent entertainment for sailors at the SigneT National Champs 2007 © Jenny Overs

Excellent entertainment for sailors at the SigneT National Champs 2007 © Jenny Overs

Excellent entertainment for sailors at the SigneT National Champs 2007 © Jenny Overs

The SigneT National Championships at Ullswater Yacht Club (12th – 17th August 2007) proved to be one of the closest fought ever. Varied winds and sailing conditions led to a situation where six of the 15 boats that travelled to the Lake District were still capable of winning in the final day’s racing.

Heavy weather sailors Simon Mann and Steve Whiteside (ST192), Mike Overs and Mark Cowling (ST914) and Keith Hatton and Mike Baker (ST 858) led in the early races using spinnakers to good effect despite strong winds. Former champions Paul and Lucy Nicholson (ST530) were hindered by rudder problems, whilst an incident between Pat Overs and Jonathan Leeding (ST919) and Roy Melsom and Emma Nicholson (ST761) put another former champion out of contention with shroud damage.

In light, fluky winds for the two races on Tuesday, Richard Cannon and Robert Britton (ST368) and Andy and Gregory Boyne (ST 693) opened their challenge as the early leaders dropped back. Young crew Gregory Boyne sailed particularly well racing for the first time. Chris and Hannah Whiteside (ST522) and Keith Hatton and Mike Baker (ST858) suffered capsizes. Only Mike Overs and Mark Cowling remained consistent in third to maintain their second place overall.

After a lay day on Wednesday, stronger winds returned for race four on Thursday. Two boats opted not to race. Tim and Michael Wild (ST847) led with a good performance from Roy Melsom and Emma Nicholson (ST761) in third to shake up the results still further.

With Richard Cannon and Robert Britton leading on 13 points with Mike Overs and Mark Cowling (ST914) second on 17 points, the competition remained wide open for the final race on Friday. Richard Cannon and Robert Britton won to consolidate their lead and Tim and Michael Wild came second to take second place overall. John Pratt and Steve Leeding (ST377), Tom Field and Michael Stevens (ST41) and Patrick Overs and Jonathan Leeding (ST919) all had top 5 finishes to improve their positions overall.

The ladies cup was won by Joyce Cowern crewed by Frank Cowern (ST909). The crew invitation race was won by Michael Stevens (ST41) whilst seven year old Ollie Mann (ST192) put in an excellent performance in heavy winds to win the seamanship award. Another creditable performance in the race was given by young helm Hannah Whiteside (ST522). The single handed race was won by Paul Nicholson (ST530). A range of activities both on an off the water made the week excellent entertainment for sailors, spectators and families alike. Many thanks go to Ullswater Yacht Club from the SigneT fleet.

Overall Results: