Long wait ashore

The Tornado National Championship got underway today after a long postponement waiting for the wind

The Tornado Nationals eventually got away following a lengthy postponement as the gradient breeze battled with a sea breeze to take effect, neither wind managed to dominate but the Race Office finally called the 31 boat fleet onto the water and managed to get one race in with the breeze fluctuating between five and nine knots.

The first start saw the fleet over eager and resulted in a general recall, the restart saw the introduction of the black flag rule and a number of competitors found themselves very close to the line. Leading the fleet away at the Pin end were defending champions Andy Walsh and Ed Barney and they were pushed hard by Johnny Hutchroft with Ryan Crawford following close behind. With the course laid close to the beach there were some unusual calls for water to tack from some sailors to comply with the local bylaw of not sailing within 50 meters of the beach.

Team Gul, Richard Allen and Simon Farren avoided the melee at the pin end of the start and managed to find clear air and rounded the top mark in third, not known for their light air performance they managed to hold off the World number two Pairing of Leigh McMillan and Will Howden over the three laps to the finish.

Simon Northrop crossed the line fifth with Hugh Styles sailing with 49er Sailor Alistair Richardson close behind. Upon finishing Johnny Hutchroft and Simon Northrop discovered they had been adjudged over at the start. Both appealed against the decision but video evidence showed they both, along with Brian Wilson were clearly over.

Four races are scheduled on Saturday with three more on Sunday.

Results:

1-GBR 430 Andy Walsh and Ed Barney
2-GBR 420 Richard Allen and Simon Farren
3-GBR 436 Leigh McMillian and Will Howden
4-GBR 438 Hugh Styles and Alistair Richardson