British Sharpie Championship at Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club

British Sharpie Championship at Brancaster Staithe SC © James Case

Twenty-two crews competed in the championships set in the North Sea off Brancaster Staithe. British boats were challenged by 2 leading Dutch crews, including Dutch Champions and previous European winners.

The weather was fair with winds from the South and West, increasing from 2/3 on day 1 to a stiff 4 on the final day. Spring tides also provided an opportunity to display good judgement for lay lines and entertainment for watchers. The sea provided some exciting downwind experiences with 3 – 4 feet short 'chop'.

Day one was dominated by defending champion GBR 125 Windspiel helmed by William Gibbs crewed by his father Chris. They won both races comfortably. In race 1 Ned 14 Daan Versteeg was second and Chris's brother Tim Gibbs GBR 12 (Rockabye) third crewed by newcomer Charlie Orton. A notable 5th place was gained by improving Burnham Overy team of Alex Smith and Paul Beachell in Capella GBR 128.

In race 2 Paddy and Ros Spink (GBR 9) were second with Ned 135 (Dennis V Vliet) third. Ghost GBR 133 (Ben and Paul Goakes) had a creditable 5th place.

Day two saw winds increasing which was to the liking of our Dutch visitors. In race 3 Ned 135 took the lead only to capsize allowing Ned 14 to take the win. Second was Tim Gibbs (GBR12) with Will Gibbs(GBR125) in third. Richard Mulderiij (Ned226), a Dutchman now domiciled in UK crewed by local headteacher Alistair Ogle began to show pace taking 4th place. Brancaster Commodore Brian Lambert crewed by Sam Neal was a creditable 5th in Rackker (Gbr136).

In race 4 the Dutch dominated with Ned 14, Ned 135 and Ned 226 in that order. Will Gibbs was 4th with his uncle Tim in 5th. Henry Burkitt and James Nye had a good 6th in newly refurbished Luffa (GBR123).

Day three saw the wind increase once more and the sea become a bit more tricky resulting in some midfleet capsizes.

Once again the Dutch took 1,2,3 in race 5 in the same order. Will Gibbs was 4th with Wells commodore Sally Cracknell and her husband Rob taking an excellent 5th in Adventurer GBR69.

Race 6 was won by Ned135 with Ned 14 second, Will Gibbs third and Ned 226 4th.

It was unfortunate that Rockabye (Tim Gibbs) was unable to compete on the final day having laid with the leaders after 4 races.

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

1 Jan Van Galen (NED 14) Daan Versteeg Ton V Berkel, 7pts
2 Windspiel (GBR 125) Will / Chris Gibbs, 12pts
3 Krek Wan Wou (NED 135) Dennis V Vliet / Ben Kloos, 12pts
4 Fuut (NED 226) Richard Mulderij / A Ogle, 27pts
5 Poelsnip (GBR 135) Martin Read / Imogen Gibbs, 37pts
6 Rakker (GBR 136) Brian Lambert / Sam Neal, 38pts
7 Titania (GBR 16) Andrew Cracknell/ Justine Sykes, pts
8 Adventurer (GBR 69) Rob / Sally Wynne, 43pts
9 Rockabye (GBR 12) Tim Gibbs/ Charlie Orton, 46pts
10 Capella (GBR 128) Alex Smith/Paul Beachell, 46pts

British Placings:

1 Will Gibbs (2018 British Champion) Windspiel
2 Richard Mulderij (runner up winning the Oliver Atkins Plate) Fuut
3 Martin Read, Poelsnip

William and Chris Gibbs win the British Sharpie Championship at Brancaster Staithe SC - photo © James Case