Sharpie National Championship at Wells Sailing Club

Leading three during the Sharpie Nationals at Wells SC © Zoe Dunford

Calm in a crisis during the Sharpie Nationals at Wells SC © Zoe Dunford

The British fleet was boosted by the much appreciated presence of five Dutch and one German Sharpie. The tight racing schedule was immediately tested on the first day. Committee boat "Serafina" had a lively ride into Holkham bay, hoping the gusty Westerly f 4-5, would be manageable, albeit testing. Once the Sharpies arrived at sea, it became clear conditions would dictate a course in Wells harbour, to the relief of many crews.

Despite neap tides limiting options, a tight Olympic course was set. The Dutch boats revelled in the conditions, with Daan Versteeg / Patrick Neal in NED14 & Dennis Van Vliet / Patrick Van Raalte in NED135 both posting a first and second, with Jan Peter Braam / Jeroen Liesveld in NED 8 having, what proved to be their worst day, posting a 4th & 3rd. Martin Read / Imogen Gibbs GBR135 were a creditable 4th in race 2. Several capsized others float tested their crews, but the harbour course allowed for easier recovery of boats and sailors.

Day 2 the fleet got to race at sea, with a Westerly force 2. After a clean start, the fleet split, with the majority proving the inshore option was the way to go. NED8 rounded with a huge lead, son & father, Will and Chris Gibbs GBR125 second, and NED135 third, all holding their positions to the finish.

With a fading breeze, the course was compressed for the second race of the day. The fleet behaved at the start, slowed as the wind reduced, and finished with a rapidly arranged shortened course, and an increasingly influential cross tide. The now familiar sail numbers NED8, GBR125, & NED135 crossed in that order, with another son/father team, Will & Tim Adams GBR134 in fourth.

The final day was a scorcher, with a stronger than anticipated breeze. The conditions suited the Dutch once again, with NED8 winning their third consecutive race, Peter Jonker / Peter Verkerk in NED118 second, & GBR125 third.

Dutch teams during the Sharpie Nationals at Wells SC - photo © Zoe Dunford

The soaring heat played havoc with the wind, clocking round from West to East during the course of the day, requiring numerous buoy movements. It also meant the strengthening tide, was pushing the fleet over the start line for the final race, leading to the inevitable general recall. This brought the black flag out for the restart. Eight boats fell victim, and headed home for a cooling shower. The vastly reduced fleet brought new faces to the fore, with Andrew Cracknell / Justine Sykes GBR16 delighted to win their first Nationals race. Second was NED14, NED8 was "only" third, following a safe late start, with the series already won. Fleet newcomers Mark Elson / Alastair Drew GBR132 had a much improved final day in their borrowed boat, scoring a 4th & 5th.

NED8 won the series, and Spring Rice trophy, with NED135 second overall. Third on points, and best placed Brit, Will Gibbs, became the youngest ever British Sharpie Champion, proudly crewed by father, Chris.

The Sharpie European Championship takes place at Alkmaardemeer Netherlands, from 30th July – 4th August.

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Sharpie nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here