International Contender British Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Overall

After three days of competition the final day's sailing at Hayling Island Sailing Club was beautifully set up for a great day out on the water.

An excellent Championship Dinner had been put on by the host club the night before and now the weather gods delivered again, with sunshine and a steady 15 knots from the West.

There were many battles to settle with Stuart Jones lead over Graham Scott a mere 6 points as well as other personal battles to be resolved further down the fleet – the reward being the bragging rights for the winners in the bar later.

Once again the fleet were escorted out over Hayling Bar by a fleet of safety boats provided by HISC of which the sailors were extremely appreciative and thankful for their support over the Championship.

International Contender British Championship at Hayling Island - photo © Peter Hickson

At the start of the first race of the day the wind over tide had developed some good, sizeable waves for surfing downwind. Mark Wood, principal race officer, had set a slight port bias line and coupled with the tide pushing boats towards the line the inevitable happened and the two hooters sounded and a flag went up for a general recall; the first and only of the weekend – a testament to the excellent race management.

After nerves were settled the real action started with the port end favouring again. As the first beat unfolded it became apparent that it was a day for the heavyweights as Richard Batten and Simon Mussell showed their superior upwind boat speed to the windward mark. These two would hold onto these positions to the finish but behind them the fight for overall honours was unfolding. The pressure finally got to Graham Scott at the first jibe mark. Whilst in a position to reduce the gap between himself and Stuart Jones; Graham, seasoned campaigner and ex-World Contender champion, got the wobbles on and mistimed his jibe in the ever-increasing swell and ended up swimming. Stuart capitalised on Graham's mistake and came home 3rd with Graham recovering well to take 4th.

International Contender British Championship at Hayling Island - photo © Peter Hickson

In the race to be British Ladies Champion Fiona Collins further consolidated her lead over Liz Potter. By now both were becoming masters of the testing conditions and showing many of their male competitors how it is done.

Matthew Murray-Downing leader of the Junior competition sailed an excellent race and posted his best result of the Championship maintaining his grip on this competition.

International Contender British Championship at Hayling Island - photo © Peter Hickson

So it was onto the final race of the Championship... With slick race management, turning the races around in double quick time, the competitors were looking at their watches counting down the final 5 seconds and making their final approaches to the line with barely time to recover from the previous race.

A blistering port end start by Ben Holden had him gaining the gap he needed to show a clean set of heels over the fleet to the windward mark. A valiant effort by Graham Scott saw him round in second but by now the 2017 Champion knew his chances of retaining the title had probably been lost as his rival Stuart wasn't too far behind. As predicted by various weather forecasts, the wind had increased to a steady 15 knots gusting to 20 knots, providing the fleet with classic big wind, big waves Contender conditions showing what a versatile and fun boat it is to sail.

International Contender British Championship at Hayling Island - photo © Peter Hickson

Not too far off the leading group was Chris Boshier, sailing his new Hartley Contender, eventually finishing 6th in the final race and 9th overall. Early reports are that the boat is fast. Chris certainly showed this to be the case with a step up in his results from other recent championships.

In the end Ben sailed the perfect race to take line honours. Graham's 2nd place was not enough to retain his title as a jubilant Stuart Jones crossed the line in 5th place and in so, becoming the new British Contender National Champion 2018. David Patterson and Malcom hall won the Silver and Bronze fleet respectively, Fiona Collins won the Ladies' prize and Matthew Murray-Downing the Junior and newcomers prize.

International Contender British Championship at Hayling Island - photo © Peter Hickson

All would agree that this had been the best British Contender Championship for many years, helped by the excellent weather conditions, impeccable race management, fantastic facilities at HISC, all the volunteer helpers and the friendly, happy members of the Contender class. A special Thank You to the following sponsors Hartley Boats, Spinlock, Kingfisher Yacht Ropes, Bishop Skinner Marine, Selden Masts, Stena Line Ferries and R&B Sport and Travel for supporting the class Championship.

The class is going from strength to strength with five different builders in the top ten, many new faces, a new UK builder, a good second-hand boat market and some great future Championship venues. 2019 will see the World Championships at Quiberon in France and the British Championship at Broadstairs. There will also be the usual National Travellers Series throughout the year which promises to have a repeat of the great attendances seen in 2018.

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