Hadron H2 National Championships 2022, sponsored by Allen Brothers, at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club

Hadron H2 Nationals 2022 © K Callaghan

After the cancellation of the racing on day 1 due to the sad news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, the H2 crews were keen to sail four races on day 2 in order to catch up a little.

However, the wind looked as if it might frustrate things as it started as a fitful offshore breeze. After a short postponement, however, a light sea breeze filled in and racing got under way in a rather lumpy sea. Current national champion Nick Craig dominated the fleet last year and it was no surprise to see him achieve four wins today. However, there were several people who could claim to have been ahead of him at some stage during the racing, so Nick, watch out! In particular, it was Ian Dawson (Warsash SC) who made the most of the light conditions to record three straight second places in his third H2 - 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'. The other second place was taken by Robin Parsons from Deben YC - he ended the day in third place, followed by Josh Hamer and Simon Hipkin. Nick is about median in weight terms for the H2 while the other four helms mentioned are all on the lighter side.

Your reporter had intended to fly his drone today to provide some interesting shots of Day 2's racing but technical issues prevented this. So instead we show off some of the various individual colour schemes that the competitors have chosen for their H2s.

Day 3 provided similar conditions, with the wind perhaps a little more consistent but the chop was still present. These conditions continued to be challenging for the heavier helms, though Richard Leftley managed to do better than most with 3, 2, 2 in the last 3 races. Nick Craig again notched up four wins. It was fascinating to observe his downwind technique, weaving down the waves with barely a touch on the tiller. He is truly a master of the game and was a well-deserved and popular winner of the event.

Nick Craig during the Hadron H2 Nationals 2022 - photo © K Callaghan

The real competition, however, was for second place, with Ian Dawson, Robin Parsons and Josh Hamer in close contention. At the end, only 3 points separated them but it was Ian who came out in front. I have known Ian since the 1970s, when he was a teenager, sailing Merlin Rockets. He is now approaching 70 and is still competitive. For his amazing efforts he also won the Lightweights Trophy, the Grand Masters Trophy, and the Ulysses Trophy for the oldest competitor - a truly impressive achievement.

Ian Dawson during the Hadron H2 Nationals 2022 - photo © David Henshall

Nick Craig and Ian Dawson during the Hadron H2 Nationals 2022 - photo © K Callaghan

The Heavyweights Trophy went to Richard Leftley and the Masters Trophy to Robin Parsons.

Torquay is a near ideal place for a championships, with great sailing, a hospitable and well organised club, and excellent shoreside facilities. Many thanks to PRO Bob Penfold and his team both afloat and ashore.

Overall Results: