Please select your home edition
Edition
Crewsaver 2021 Safetyline LEADERBOARD

420 British National Championship at Dale Yacht Club - Update

by Imogen Wade 25 Aug 2024 10:27 BST 23-26 August 2024

Forty-one boats have made the epic journey to the most south-westerly part of Wales, Dale Yacht Club, a hidden gem with a fantastic race area directly onto the Atlantic for the 420 National Championships.

There has been plenty of excitement in the first six races and with 35 knots on the forecast, Sunday is now a welcome rest day. Most of the fleet took advantage of the practice day on Thursday, to test starting technique, first-beat tactics and become familiar with the new sailing waters.

Friday was complex, but rewarding conditions with strong winds, big gusts and tides challenging the competitors. Arwen Fflur and Matthew Rayner took wins in races one and three, with Will Fletcher and Oscar Cawthorne taking race two, meaning the former took the gold bibs overnight, the latter silver and Joe Jones and Hennie Burlton wearing bronze. Harry George and Ralph Cawthorne took a UFD in race three after solid results in races two and three, but otherwise our 'runners & riders' looked to be accurate.

Sabine Potter and Merle Nieuwland led the women's teams, now masters of the breezy conditions chased by temporary partnership Ellie Creighton and Charlotte Beardsall.

The day concluded with a beach BBQ and most sailors realizing that they hadn't worn enough sun cream. The daily prize-giving awarded silverware to race winners, a Rooster buoyancy aid to the tally winner (James Alexander) and North Sails caps to the top buddy team - the Mackerels.

Saturday, three more races scheduled at the earlier start time of 10:30am, and more sunshine and bigger breeze. Race one win went to Fletcher/Cawthorne to square the race wins with Fflur/Rayner. With Imogen Wade and Hugo Valentine taking a UFD in race one, it was starting to look like a two-horse race. Creighton/Beardsall took the lead in the female fleet with Jones/Burlton still leading the U17 fleet by a considerable margin.

Wade/Valentine found their form for races five and six and took the win in both, with Fletcher/Cawthorne and Fflur/Rayner taking one second each the top four boats are now within four points. The bibs all move to new boats for the final day.

The day was rounded off by the AGM where we welcomed a new committee followed by bingo, Greek God-themed dress and a (not-so) silent disco.

Ahead of the final day we have a black-tie dinner and the now infamous paper plate awards to look forward to.

Amongst the young people in the fleet are more experienced sailors sharing their knowledge to encourage younger sailors into top-level sailing. The real competition is between James George sailing with Lauren Mecklenberg in her first nationals and Hector Davies crewed by Haydn Sewell. After six races just one point separates them in 28th & 29th. Expect a big showdown on the final day.

Related Articles

The most important job in sailing
How Nick Scott is delivering radical change to competitive sailing pathways in the UK I am putting forward that falls to Nick Scott and his team. Namely to secure its competitive future by addressing challenges and delivering radical change while bringing people on that journey with him. Posted on 31 Mar
Gill Xtremity 420 Inland Championships
Talent shines at Rutland Rutland Water played host to the highly anticipated GBR 420 Class Inland Championships this past weekend, where the UK's most promising youth sailing talents converged for two days of tactical racing and fierce competition. Posted on 17 Mar
420 fleet rebuild - 9 crews contest Nationals
The rebuilding of the domestic 420 fleet gathered momentum over the weekend with the NZ Nationals The rebuilding of the domestic 420 fleet gathered momentum over the weekend with the NZ National championships at Takapuna Boating Club - and according to Yachting New Zealand coach Jenny Armstrong, the early signs are promising. Posted on 11 Mar
US Sailing Youth Team qualification update
Over half of the 72 sailors who will qualify have now earned their spot on the team Over half of the 72 sailors who will qualify for the Youth National Team in 2025 have now earned their spot on the team based on top finishes at class association Midwinter Championships. Posted on 7 Mar
Oceanbridge Sail Auckland 2025 Day 3
A new top 49er crew give masterclass on Day 3 of Oceanbridge Sail Auckland Plenty of hard work and a touch of Olympic inspiration has propelled one of New Zealand's most promising double-handed crews to success at the country's premier domestic sailing event. Posted on 2 Mar
Oceanbridge Sail Auckland 2025 Day 2
Set for a thrilling conclusion at Torbay Sailing Club The 2025 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland is set for a thrilling conclusion, with little separating the leaders in most fleets as they battle it out at Torbay Sailing Club. Posted on 1 Mar
Gill Xtremity 420 and 470 Winter Championships
Weymouth delivers a true test of skill and endurance The 420 and 470 classes gathered at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy for an exciting Winter Championships. The competition, which saw a strong turnout, showcased impressive sailing providing a true test of skill and endurance. Posted on 14 Feb
The engine room
Without them we are lost. This is about the things aloft both ahead and behind the stick. Without them we are lost. This is not about the tiny little room under the companionway stairs. Rather, it is about the things aloft both ahead and behind the stick.Yes. The rags. Only, they are anything but for wiping up spills. They are supreme tech. Posted on 9 Feb
Sail Canada 2025 Sail West Championships Preview
The event will be held July 17-20 at Gimli Yacht Club Sail Canada announced today that its 2025 Sail West regional championships will be held July 17-20 at the Gimli Yacht Club in Gimli, MB. Posted on 3 Feb
NSW duo wow competitors at 420 Australian Champs
A bit of everything for the competitors at Woollahra Sailing Club The 2025 420 Australian Championship was sailed on Sydney Harbour last week (January 19-23) and brought together an enthusiastic and competitive group of sailors from around the country. Posted on 30 Jan