Hayes and Dwyer lead Nationals

Tim Fells reports on the first three days of B14 racing in Whitstable

The B14 class is enjoying a spectacularly successful championship at Whitstable. The entry of 43 boats matches the largest ever UK turnout, the weather gods have blessed the event with great conditions and the club has provided great socials and refuelling opportunities.

Day 1. A slightly grey day but with a good force 3 westerly had all boats enjoying fully hiked conditions. Jono Pank and Rich Edwards showed good early form by leading race 1 and although dropping to 3rd at the end going on to win race 2 to be overnight leaders. Tim Fells and Dave Cunningham were next best with a 2nd and 4th. Nils Jolliffe and Jon Branch won the first race but struggled to make the top ten in race. Other pre-event favourites also found it hard to break through after bad starts and posted mixed results.

Day 2 was lost to no breeze.

Day 3 was a stunning day – as good as the sport gets. Clear blue skies and a force 4 ENE with rolling waves provided champagne sailing conditions. 4 races were completed and each saw a different winner. Dave Hayes and Sean Dwyer battled all the way to the line with Matt Searle and Rich Bell in the first race. Jono Pank and Rich Edwards took a commanding lead in the second with Aids Williams and Chimp Hobson following them home. Tim Fells and Dave Cunningham led the third race until in the last yards Chris Sallis and Dave flew past to snatch the win. The final race saw Aids and Chimp take out the win from Dave and Sean.

Unfortunately, on returning to shore Chimp had a bad fall on the launching ramp and was taken away by ambulance with what looked like cracked ribs.

Going into the final day with 3 races planned, it is close at the top with Dave / Sean and Jono / Rich a point apart with Matt / Rich and Tim / Dave still in with a chance if they have a good final day.

Overall:

1st Dave Hayes and Sean Dwyer 14pts
2nd Jono Pank and Rich Edwards 15pts
3rd Matt Searle and Rich Bell 19pts
4th Tim Fells and Dave Cunningham 20pts
5th Chris Sallis and Dave 24pts