Supernova National Championships at Llandudno Sailing Club

Supernova nationals at Llandudno © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

Supernova nationals at Llandudno © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

For the Supernova 2012 National Championship the fleet returned to the excellent Llandudno Sailing Club. There were 10 races scheduled over 3 days. The competition included several categories, Gold Fleet, Silver Fleet, Masters (Over 50's) and Veterans – (Over 60's) and was generously sponsored by Hartley Boats. The event was, as expected, really well organized on and off the water and with great hospitality.

Each day provided challenging conditions but fortunately Saturday and Sunday were not half as punishing as Fridays conditions. The pleasant forecast of force 3 -4 increased to more of a force 5 -6 wind, but the main difficulty was the sea state. Even before the start many competitors were struggling with the conditions and the sensible ones headed back for shore. The conditions continued to worsen with only 16 of the 34 competitors finishing the first race. By the end of the second race there was over a 6 foot swell but with very steep waves that were occasionaly breaking on top. This made the sailing extremely challenging and only the most skilful and determined sailors managing to finish the second race. Due to the severity of the conditions and the dangers of the on shore breeze and running out of beach it was decided to cancel the third race on Friday.

Race 1

A standard reverse P course was set for the first race, a clear gap developed between the leading group of sailors with Richard Pakes and Mark Hartley leading the fleet. Close behind Paul Earnshaw, Gavin Young and Cliff Milliner were having a great race. Earnshaw and Milliner both capsized at the first gybe mark allowing Young to get through into 3rd place. Just behind this group Mike Gibson and Stuart Catterall were having a close battle. By the second lap Hartley had established a good lead only to capsize at the gybe mark allowing Pakes through to take and hold the lead to the finish.

Race 2

For the 2nd race the sea state deteriorated even further with very steep and confused waves. This proved too much for many competitors and only 11 boats made the start. With such a big sea it was difficult to see the marks and unknowing to the lead boats the windward mark had been moved. This led to a number of boats overlaying the mark. Mike Gibson taking advantage of this and taking an early lead, a position that Mike would not normally give up - unfortunately a massive capsize on the face of a wave put Mike completely out of the race allowing Mark Hartley to once again take up the lead and hold it to the finish. Richard Pakes managed to pull back loads of ground after suffering the most from overlaying the windward mark and managed to squeeze past Earnshaw on the last run. Stuart Catterall showing once again that he enjoys the windy conditions finishing in 5th place. New boy Chris Cole was showing some form in this race but was closely beaten by the experienced Steve Hawley. Both Paul Thompson and Louis Saunders, probably the two lightest and definitely the youngest sailors in the fleet, showed great skill to complete both races. Well done boys!

A long day on the water was followed by a welcome from Llandudno SC Commodore, Andy McNamara, and then an excellent buffet and entertainment.

Day 2

The wind was blowing from the West, force 3-5 and the sea state was not as brutal as Friday although it still proved exciting sailing with good surfing conditions on the downwind legs. With good courses set by the Race Officer it was a fantastic days sailing.

Race 3

With everyone keen to get a good result after the turmoil of Fridays racing it is was not surprising their was a general recall. Now under a black flag competitors were more cautious particularly overnight leader Mark Hartley who had to work his way through a lot of the fleet to creep up to 5th place. This once again opened the door for Pakes who had a great battle with Young finishing 1st and 2nd respectively. Just behind a familiar battle between Milliner, Gibson and Earnshaw was developing.

Ian Thompson started to show some form and was able to hold off fellow Bolton sailor Jeffrey Robinson.

The Club team race, which is decided by the best 3 results from each club, was looking close at this point with Cotswold, Bolton, Bartley and Haversham all having competitors in the top 7 spots.

Race 4

Mark Hartley got back on form in this race and once again took the line honours ahead of Young and Pakes. The battle for the Veterans Trophy was being closely fought with Sam Hood, Phil Davies, Steve Johnson and Chris Watts all in the running. In race 4 it was Watts who led the way in the veterans. A similar battle was also developing in the Masters fleet with Earnshaw and Gibson battling it out.

Races 5 and 6

Mark Hartley continued to show great form and won both races. Gibson started to show the form that has made him champion in the past and was pushing all the leaders. In the Silver fleet competition was tight between Stuart Catterall and Chris Cole with Stuart performing slightly better in the stronger winds.

The racing was followed with a BBQ at the club and a great evening socializing, some people staying far longer than was sensible.

Day 3

Races 7, 8 and 9

The conditions were similar to Saturday with the wind increasing throughout the day. Hartley was in a good position and good results on the Sunday would see him take the Championship. The racing on the final day was really tight with places changing right down to the final legs. Another fantastic day of racing for everyone who took part. In race 7 Hartley was victorious and effectively secured the Championship barring a major disaster. Mike Gibson continued to improve and achieved 2 seconds in the last three races which was just enough to secure the Masters trophy just ahead of Earnshaw. Chris Watts held off a challenge from Steve Johnson to win the veterans trophy.

Congratulations to Mark Hartley on deservedly taking the Championship.

A big thanks to Llandudno SC for organizing a fantastic event that was enjoyed by all competitors both on and off the water.

Photos can be found at SailPics.co.uk

Overall Results:
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