Shearwater Catamaran 2021 Results

 

64th Shearwater National Championships at Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club

Report by Chloe Stuart

 

Firstly I would like to say a huge congratulations to our National Champions Nigel and Sarah Stuart on Crowns! I'm sure they would agree this years nationals was definitely not an easy win with the top two boats only one point apart. Each race had different challenges and a different mix of boats up front. 

The week provided difficult tides, a big range of wind condition, brilliant race courses and of course amazing socials making this year's nationals one to remember!

The week started with one of the windiest days and most lively evenings! Day one consisted of a practice race and two nationals races. With the wind up and everyone excited to be back on the water at our first nationals in two years the racing was extremely close with the whole fleet only minutes apart.

Our chairman spent the evening showing us how to party at one of the most lively Commodore's receptions to date! (He then spent the next two days recovering!)

Day two brought lighter winds meaning more focus on tides and tactics causing another big mix up of leading boats. While the racing on the water is extremely competitive it seems a games night makes the Shearwater fleet really show just how much friendly rivalry there is between the fleet. A special mention must go to the Winram family who despite possibly being the worst at plank ski-ing were the loudest and most competitive much to the rest of the fleets amusement!

Day three provided another day of close racing with the pressure building as the points between each boat were so close. A key highlight of this nationals was just how tight the racing was, the front and back boats separated by hardly any distance making for a lot of intense mark roundings with the whole fleet coming up at once!

The evening was spent around camp fires with fish and chips for the whole class, a much needed chilled night after lots of sailing and partying!

Day four contained the most important race of the nationals... the crews race. Once the last two national races were completed the crew and helm swap over for one race. It is without a doubt the most scary race of the week but also the funniest! With a whole host of new young crews in the fleet who took to the helm for the first time ever it was pretty scary to be at the front of the boat! However they all loved it and it is a great opportunity to get experience on the helm and makes their helms appreciate just how much they do at the front of the boat! The evening was spent enjoying prize-giving and celebrating with an obligatory party!

Now a nationals does not happen by itself and we as sailors could not be on the water without our amazing support crew on the beach, thank you all for everything you do on the beach and for getting us on and off the water safely. Also a huge thank you to Sam and Sophie Vaughan and everyone else involved in organising the nationals and of course thank you Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club for having us!

It has been an amazing nationals, well done to everyone and once again congratulations to Crowns our national champions!