With 35 knots forecast, the fleet launched with a little apprehension today but were rewarded with fantastic downwind rides in 15-25 knots and long, spread out waves that make Porthpean such a great place to sail.
There was drama pre-start as Mark Barnes/Charlotte Jones misjudged a cross on the way to the start and snapped their bowsprit on another boat to the sounds of "ooooh" from the spectators in the clubhouse. A lot of very helpful club members ran a Formula 1 speed pit-stop bowsprit change so that Barnes/Jones were able to make the 2nd and final race of the day
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The B14 arrived at Porthpean Sailing Club on Thursday to sun and fantastic outlook to prepare for the Nationals.
Friday arrived, rain and no wind. However, after a 1 hour postponement, The fleet launched. There would be a 2 hour delay between race 1 and race 2 whilst the fleet awaited the breeze.
Throughout the races there was very tight racing at the front with a right old ding dong in race 1 between Team Harken (Nick Craig/Toby Tastic Lewis) and Team Gul/North Sails (Mark Barnes/Charlotte Char Jones). The latter pulled away and won as Harken battled with Demelza (Peter Knight/Jane Reeves) and Team North Sails/Troublegum (Alan Davis/Rich Bell). Race 2 was a repeat with the first 2 exchanging position but ending up with a repeat of the first race with the first 2 having nothing between them cross gybing into the finish, again going to Team Gul/North Sails.
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September 2nd will see the B14 Flying Circus descend on Porthpean SC for the 3 day National Championships. A quick review of entries suggests that there is a strong top group with a few others within the fleet capable of upsetting the order. Forecast is looking good with mixed conditions which should see a bit of variation at the front
Here is a selection of the "Runners and Riders":
796 – Nick Craig & Toby Lewis (Harken)
Current National Champion with Tom Pygall, Toby Tastic taking a break from nappy changing etc is looking to keep this team on song and holding on to the trophy in their fast Seavolution B14. Both having recently been at the Merlin Champs, they should be gunning for it with Nick looking to get another run at the Endeavour Trophy.
Odds: 7/4 (Fav)
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Friday 2nd September to Sunday 4th September
Roll up, roll up it's time for the GUL B14 Nationals at Porthpean. The sailing club, boat parking and car park camping are all in one place. Camping is £10 per night with access to club changing rooms 24/7. Motorised assistance for the pull up the slipway. Evening Buffet and BBQ and cream tea included in price. £110 if booked by the 17th of August. Leaky games and coconut shy for evening entertainment plus fancy dress etc etc....
More information can be found at the clubs site: http://www.porthpeansc.co.uk
Entry, SI and NOR links and more information on page.
Remember camping IS available in the public car park at £10 per night for tent/camper...
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