Hartley Boats Contender British Nationals at Paignton Sailing Club - Overall

After a rather epic day on the water, the final day of the nationals arrived. Overnight the results showed it was really a two horse race going in to the last day with both Graeme and Ed having a chance to win the event. Simon was sitting in 3rd followed 2 points behind in 4th.

At this point also worth mentioning Stuart Jones had pretty much secured the overall Grand Master Champ (barring disaster), Rob Smith and Duncan Ward were battling for the Master prize and Nathan McGory and James Daniels were fighting it out for the Youth championship.

Hartley Boats Contender British Nationals day 3 - photo © Tom Wild

The final day brought blue skies and less wind. Race 6 saw the left of the beat pay with Gary Langdown and Tommy Hooton taking full advantage. Graeme however having not had the best start played the shifty conditions beautifully to make his way to the front once again. Also, Ed recovered very well from the back of the pack and made it all the way to 3rd behind Gary with Tom 4th.

Race 6 once again saw the left hand side of the course pay with the wind on the right more affected by the land. This time however it was Rob Smith and Stuart Jones showing age was no barrier to success!! They picked every shift and were fast on the downwind legs too. After a battle Stuart finished 1st with Rob in 2nd. It wasn’t all new news at the front though with Graeme recovering to 3rd after a few uncharacteristic tactical errors. Ben Holden also sailed well to secure 4th.

Hartley Boats Contender British Nationals day 3 - photo © Tom Wild

Race 7 and the last race of the championships began under a black flag following a recall. The breeze had once again freshened to 18+knots and this time Simon won the start and headed to the left. As the fleet arrived at the windward mark Graeme rounded 1st fractionally ahead of Simon who was followed by Ed. After two full on reaches the second beat did some funny things! Having predominantly favoured the left side, a righty helped a few boats (including Ben Holden) in the chasing pack pass Simon and Ed who thought they were safe on the other side of the beat… It was all very close (except for Graeme who was in the distance once again). By the end and following a bit of snakes and ladders it was Graeme 1st, Ben 2nd, Ed 3rd and Simon was 4th…

Trophy Winners:

• Graeme Wilcox, 1st overall and 2024 British Contender National Champion
• Stuart Jones, Grand Master
• Duncan Ward, Master
• Chris Boshier, Winner of the Silver fleet
• Martin Jones, Winner of the Bronze fleet
• James Daniels, under 25 British Contender Champion 2024

Hartley Boats Contender British Nationals day 3 - photo © Tom Wild

It was a great event and Paignton Sailing Club were awesome. Very friendly, great catering and a knowledgeable race team that didn’t put a foot wrong.

With the early nations now completed, it is back to the travellers trophy schedule with a visit to Hythe & Saltwood Sailing club on the 6th & 7th July followed by a trip to Shoreham Sailing Club two weeks later on the 20th & 21st July.

Hartley Boats Contender British Nationals day 3 - photo © Tom Wild

For those who like to travel we have the European Championships late August- early September at Lake Silvaplana Switzerland. We also need to mention that the preparations are taking place for the Contender Worlds in Florida USA, 14th – 23rd February 2025 with spaces still available.

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