Swordfish Nationals at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club

The Swordfish Class has plenty of tales to tell, especially as the boats are in their forties and older. Ten examples of this early post war, cold moulded Uffa Fox design entered this year’s nationals, held 25-30 July as part of Abersoch Dinghy Week, sponsored by Crewsaver; but the first tale was a sad one.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, 2002-3 champion Alan Padgett found himself not only without a crew, but also without a boat, which made it difficult to defend his title! It was a happier tale for John and Jonathan Gledhill returning to the championship for the first time for four years in “Giselle”. They romped away with the first two races to set themselves up strongly for the week.

Alan and Helen Beecham sailing “Early Bird” chased “Giselle” home in the first race with Phil and Jacqui Thompson enjoying the brisk force 4 to move up to third in the borrowed “Shemozzle”. Their beloved “Can-Can” is under the surgeon’s knife following an unwanted early season diagnosis. There were no casualties, but Gordon Maddan took a swim off the stern of ”Fantome” and had to be hauled in by his wife Julie. The fast 3-sail reach through the edge of the moorings was the champagne moment of the week. Those who chickened out with 2 sails missed a treat!

Race 2 was a gentler affair. Ellie Wrigglesworth recovered from a “funny tummy” and crewed Mike Wallace’s “Manana” to second place behind the singing and dancing “Giselle”. Tony and Ellie Short, in their first championship, watched what was going on ahead up the last beat and brought “Cheran” home in third place.

Nail biting was the order of the day in the third race fickle light airs. After some fleet shuffling the Beechams’ “Early Bird” had a big lead inshore up the final beat – until they ran out of wind. “Giselle’s” middle way through the moorings snatched a narrow win from Ted Farrance and Julie Tree in “Dinah”, with “Manana” third and “Early Bird” an unkind fifth.

The wind was still light for the fourth race. “Giselle” made a calculated start from the leeward end of the line but in more wind and tide, which gave her a fourth win, followed by “Early Bird” and “Dinah”.

Mike Wallace replaced his long-suffering crew, Ellie, with Claire Green for the last two races. The switch gave “Manana” two wins. The first in a force 2-3 saw her take the lead at the end of the first lap from “Dinah”. A fast finishing “Giselle” shot up the last beat to take second place from “Dinah”, and seal the championship.

“Manana” led all the way in the in the final shifty aired race to take overall second. The Thompsons hit form again in “Shemozzle” to finish the race second, with “Giselle” third after being over the line at the start.

Thanks to Brian Holland, Don Smith and SCYC for a great week.

Overall Results: