Splash National Championships at Hollowell Sailing Club
by Chris Hadden 8 Jul 2011 09:13 BST
2-3 July 2011
The forecast for Saturday looked to be very light, and as promised the lake at Hollowell looked like a mirror during the sailor's briefing, which was disappointing for the 10-strong fleet, many of whom had travelled several hours to get there.
However, patience paid off and the fleet managed to launch mid-afternoon. After a few attempts the Splashes started in just under 5 knots, making it a tactical race. There was an equal split of the fleet up the first beat, with those hitting the left corner coming off much better. The first race was dominated throughout by Hollowell sailors with Lawrence Creaser first, followed by Rachel Heggs and Oppy National champion Arran Holman.
An attempt was made to run a second race that evening but a huge left shift up the first beat caused it to be abandoned, meaning the sailors headed in to enjoy a BBQ and giant connect four game.
Sunday morning dawned slightly better than Saturday, not much in terms of wind strength but at least a steady direction, much to the disappointment of the larger sailors at the back of the fleet who hoped for a bit more! Race two began in around 5 knots and saw Arran Holman take first, followed by a consistant Rachel, then new Splash helm Joey Arnell in third. Last year's national champion Simon Bennett struggled to get moving in the light airs and finished 8th.
The race officer efficiently squeezed the third race in before the lake was inundated with Hollowell club racers. This was won again by Arran with Rachel in second, followed by Sarah Small from Hollowell in third.
The fleet headed in for lunch and some prayers were made to the wind gods! After a couple of hours a steady 7 knots came in, meaning the Splashes headed out for a fourth race. The race meant the discard kicked in, so many of the sailors were racing round frantically calculating different combinations of results Some exciting mark roundings on a small course led to a win for Joey Arnell, followed by Arran, with Simon Bennett in third.
The overall National Champion for 2011 is Arran Holman, followed by Rachel Heggs in second, and Joey Arnell in third. Congratulations also to Hannah Hutchings from Tonbridge Town SC for winning the Endeavour trophy, and Larissa Barker from Hollowell wins first Master.
Thanks to Hollowell SC, and especially the Heggs family for hosting us, and to Chris Hadden for excellent race management in the frustrating conditions.