Stoneways VPRS National Championship 2021 at Lymington Town Sailing Club

Joy wins Class One an the Stoneways VPRS Nationals in Lymington © Stoneways VPRS

QT wins Class Two an the Stoneways VPRS Nationals in Lymington © Stoneways VPRS

A smaller than expected fleet of yachts racing under the Stoneways VPRS rating system gathered at Lymington Town Sailing Club for their annual National Championships which had been curtailed since 2019.

Under the watchful eye of Race officer Nigel Wallbank, three races back-to-back led to intense competition in the two classes racing on the first day.

In race one, two JPK 1010's; Joy and Jaasap led the way in shifting North Easterly conditions. Race two and Joy continued to dominate, however followed home by the Prima 38 - Wild Thing on corrected time.

The Elan 333 - Energy had been working their way up the fleet, coming into their own with a convincing win in race three, Wild Thing second and Joy pushed back to third.

In Class two, a close match race ensued between the MGC 27 - Mojito and Ecume de Mer - QT, the former with two seconds and a win and the latter two wins and a second.

50 sailors enjoyed a superb class dinner thanks to Lymington Town SC on Saturday evening and with all to sail for in a long-distance race for double points on the second day, the results remained wide open.

A course around the Western Solent started with a running start from Lymington south to the Island shore to avoid Cowes to Torquay power boats racing on the day.

Joy and Wild Thing were soon leading the pack, fighting tide towards Yarmouth. The ever-present Elan 333 Energy was, however, holding on. Similarly, in Class Two Mojito and QT were constantly swapping the lead with despite significant tidal gates neither boat being able to break away.

After four hours of frenetic activity, racing could not have been closer, following a long beat eastward the fleet enjoyed a close spinnaker reach 'drag race' along the northern mainland shore to the finish.

In Class One it was Joy that was to secure the win and with double points the Class One National Championships. The Elan 333 - Energy the lowest rated boat in class one a close second and likewise second place overall.

In Class Two Mojito and QT had swapped place on every leg of the course, rounding the final mark with two boat lengths of each other and proceeded to reach to the finish with neither boat giving an inch. It was QT who was to win by just two seconds to retain the class two title that they had previously won in 2019.

Prizes sponsored by the renowned Lymington artist Stephen Lees, wrapping up a superb weekend of racing.

Next year's event forms part of the International Paints Poole Regatta in May 2022, with three days of equally exciting racing inevitable coupled with a full social programme ashore.

Overall Results:

Trophies at the Stoneways VPRS Nationals in Lymington - photo © Stoneways VPRS

Team Joy wins Class One an the Stoneways VPRS Nationals in Lymington - photo © Stoneways VPRS

Team Stoneways QT wins Class Two an the Stoneways VPRS Nationals in Lymington - photo © Stoneways VPRS

Elan 333 Energy second in Class One at the Stoneways VPRS Nationals in Lymington - photo © Stoneways VPRS