After two days and 32 races of intense and at times very close competition, the MYA 2025 RG65 National Champion is Alan Bennett sailing an Ivy. The other podium places were taken up by Tobias Laux (Ivy) in second and John Tushingham (Ivy) in third.
Saturday was sailed in a light ESE breeze which veered to a light to moderate SSW breeze in the early early afternoon, then tracked back to SE by late afternoon. Most skippers were sailing in full area Swing rigs for the whole day, although at one point it looked as it a lower aspect conventional rig might be needed before the breeze moderated. A total of 18 races were sailed, with Race 19 abandoned as a large course reset would take too long at the end of a great days sailing.
Sunday dawned with a lot more breeze and the forecast of showers (conditions as above). Saturday was sailed in short sleeves, with the breeze giving some respite from the very warm temperatures covering the UK. On Sunday, it was all change and at least one extra layer was required with the increase in breeze to an estimated 15 knots gusting low 20’s. All the smaller rigs came out with small B or C rigs in use through the fleet, with some skippers missing out as they either did not have a small enough rig, or had equipment issues during the day. Another fourteen races were sailed on a two lap figure of 8 course feathuring 4 beats and 4 runs in total, featuring some epic downwind legs in the gusts. Race Officer John Brierley called it a day at 32 races at around 15:15, just as a very heavy shower started which lasted for more than 30 minutes until the end of the prize giving in the clubhouse.
Winner Alan Bennett thanked everyone from attending and all of those who volunteered their time to run the event and keep everyon fed and “watered” in the galley.