470 UK Nationals

Marsden and Nelson win on Farmoor Reservoir

This years 470 National Championships were hosted by Oxford Sailing Club in the first weekend of October. There was extremly tough competition throughout the event, including top sailors from the current youth transition squads throughout the UK.

Saturday's cold and breezy weather provided much entertainment for the spectators as 14 boats flew across Farmoor Reservoir. The day belonged to Neil Marsden and Graham Nelson of Blackpool and Fleetwood SC, winning 4 of the 5 races. Close behind them were GBR squad sailors Callum MacDonald and Stu Bithell, with Oxford Sailing Club's Guy Tipton and Chris Tattershall on their heels the whole time. The women's title was also hotly contested with Lucy and Nicky MacGregor battling it out with Melissa Heppell and Rebecca Marriott, to end the day on equal points.

Sunday provided much calmer conditions, with the crews barely able to flat wire - the shifts were the all-important factor of getting ahead. With a long race in the morning, places were changing right to the finish, MacDonald/Bithell took line honours from Marsden/Nelson with Tipton/Tattershall in 3rd. The final race, won by Marsden/Nelson was much shorter, allowing a real fight to the finish.

Neil Marsden and Graham Nelson clearly won the event, winning all their counting races, with the MacGregor sisters claiming the women's title, one point ahead of Heppell/Marriott.

Thanks to Oxford Sailing Club for providing the venue, and some great racing. Also to Guy and Emily Tipton for organising the event and playing host to the majority of the fleet on saturday night!

Overall Results:

1st - Neil Marsden and Graham Nelson, Blackpool and Fleetwood SC - 7pts
2nd - Callum MacDonald and Stu Bithell - 13pts
3rd - Guy Tipton and Chris Tattershall, Oxford SC -15pts
4th - Luke Patience and 'Twiggy' - 25pts
5th - Lucy and Nicky MacGregor, Parkstone YC - 32pts
6th - Melissa Heppell and Rebecca Marriott, Brightlingsea/Frensham - 33pts