Gull National Championships at Mudeford Sailing Club

Apart from a couple of local boats, most of the 12 Gullcrews made the long journey from the East coast to Christchurch for theirNationals, held over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May. Although the weather was cold and cloudy (even fogging out one race), the S to SW wind was ideal for the whole regatta.

Christchurch Harbour is safe in all wind directions and Mudeford SC does an excellent cream tea! Mike Brown, Sally Dugdale and Jane Williams proved immediately that they were the only boats in contention and by the end of the second day none had dropped below 3rd place. Mike Brown got 3 firsts and a second and looked too quick to be beaten, but two protests later, he had a DSQ and a holiday flight to Italy to catch, which left Sally Dugdale (Horning SC) in complete charge. She and her son James won both races on the 3rd day to add to their 2 firsts and 3 second places – a clear winner. Jane Williams and her son David were second and after the discards and despite missing 2 races and carrying a DSQ, Mike Brown was third. Gordon Williams, the Class Secretary, crewed by Catherine, was 4th and John Snelling and Wendy Roach, Mudeford SC members, were 5th.