Noble Marine Streaker National Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club - Overall

Martin Penty (Beaver SC) successfully defended his title at Grafham Water Sailing Club this weekend, to become Noble Marine Streaker National Champion for the third time. However, it was no walk-over, with several challengers aiming to put their own name on the prestigious Tate & Lyle Trophy.

Five races were completed over three days, 7-9 July, with two races lost due to lack of wind on the second day. Martin was lying in second place after two races on the first day, with Arran Holman (Hollowell SC) two points ahead and Alan Gillard (Sheffield Viking SC) two points behind. There were three races planned for the final day, so plenty of time for all that to change.

Day 3 began with the Race Officer, Nigel Denchfield, determined to lay on three good races to make a five race series with one discard. Some of the fleet were carrying BFD's or a 'shocker' from day 1, so the discard would be important for their chances, not least for Steve Blackburn (West Lancs YC / L&LSC) who was lying in 11th place.

After a brief postponement ashore, the fleet launched and waited patiently for the breeze to stabilise. Racing then got under way in a shifty 8-10 knots, with the U-flag used to ensure that all three races started cleanly at the first attempt.

Streakers finishing race 3 of the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Grafham Water SC - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Race 3, the first of the day, saw Martin and Arran well placed up the first beat but it was Steve, coming in from the left, who led by a decent margin at the windward mark. Martin followed Steve down the run, both finding the best of the patchy breeze, whilst Arran split off into a hole, proving that these things can happen to the best of us! With Arran off his tail, Martin was able to concentrate on closing the gap to Steve. He took the lead on the final beat and secured an important second bullet. Meanwhile, Nigel Pepperdine (Staunton Harold SC) and Steve Hanby (Beaver SC) took advantage of Arran's misfortune and emerged from the first run in third and fourth respectively, which they held onto until the finish. Arran finished 10th, leaving himself some work to do in the remaining races.

The gybe mark in race 4 of the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Grafham Water SC - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Race 4 started promptly, in similar conditions. Colin Staite (Bartley SC) and Arran worked the left side of the first beat; Colin was first around the windward mark. Arran followed, with Matt Whitfield (Tamworth SC) on his transom. Steve B wasn't far behind and moved up to second on the first run, behind Colin. Martin was some way back in the pack needing to dig himself out of trouble.

Matt Whitfield ahead of Steve Blackburn in race 4 of the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Grafham Water SC - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

As the race progressed, Colin slipped back to finish 5th, just behind Alan who was putting together a tidy series. Meanwhile, Martin had been working his way forward through the fleet and was now chasing after the leading two. Steve B kept his lead and Martin pulled through to finish second, ahead of Arran.

Steve Blackburn wins race 4 of the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Grafham Water SC - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Going into race 5, it was possible for any of the top three to take the title. Martin held the advantage, knowing that a result above fourth was enough. However, if he slipped up, either Arran or Steve B could take the title by adding a second race win to their scores.

Arran had obviously done the maths. He saw an opportunity, nailed the pin and led at the first windward mark. Looking behind, he'd have been pleased to see Alan, Steve H and Steve B, all putting points between himself and Martin! However, by the third lap, Martin and Steve B had caught up to resume their battle with Arran. These three looked like they had the race win between them, with Arran in the lead. However, as they fought each other up the beat, a big right shift put the chasers back in contention. Ollie Groves (Beaver SC), Alan and Steve H all popped out in front with one lap to go. Ollie held his lead and went on to win the race. Martin scrambled back to take second place, Steve H finished third and Alan was fourth.

Ollie Groves wins race 5 of the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Grafham Water SC - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

And so, Martin Penty was crowned Streaker National Champion once again. With over 50 boats taking part, this was the biggest fleet of his three wins and one that puts him in 5th place on the Legends table. Only Frank Catt, Steve Cockerill, Tom Gillard and Alan Gillard have won it more times.

Notable achievements elsewhere in the fleet include Colin Staite, winner of the Silver Fleet, and Jack Gore (Up River YC) winner of the Bronze Fleet. At the age of 15, it was Jack's first Streaker open meeting let alone his first Streaker Nationals! First lady was Veronica Falat (Waveney & Oulton Broad YC) and the best presented boat was a beautiful Butler-built composite Streaker, 1911 'Only Etty', owned by Charmaine Ryland (Ouse Amateur SC).

Martin Penty, winner of the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Grafham Water SC - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

The Altogether Shield is awarded to the club with the three best placed boats. Needless to say, this was comfortably won by Beaver SC with Martin Penty, Steve Hanby and Ollie Groves taking three of the top six places overall. In fact, Beaver could have won it without these three. Their 'B team' were runners up, with Waveney & Oulton Broad YC in third. RDNBYC might have been second, but their entry was deemed ineligible as they are not an RYA affiliated club!

Thanks go to Grafham Water Sailing Club who hosted a very enjoyable championship, both on and off the water. We are grateful to our sponsors, Noble Marine, Rooster and Fernhurst Books, who all contributed to the prizes which were distributed throughout the whole fleet. On Saturday night, Hartley Boats BINGO! was also a huge success with a generous array of prizes scooped up by the lucky winners!

The podium (l-r) Steve Blackburn 2nd, Martin Penty 1st and Alan Gillard 3rd at the Noble Marine Streaker Nationals at Grafham Water SC - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Next up in the Streaker Rooster Super Series is the Northern Area Championships at Elton SC on 8 October, followed two weeks later by the End of Season Championships at Bartley SC on 22 October. See you there!

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