Enough enthusiasm for a Nationals this year even with the Worlds being the main event. Taking place as part of the Hayling Island Whitsun Regatta, where the club hosted racing for over 200 boats on five different course areas. We were on course area “Charlie” out in Hayling bay where the wind was adequate without being hard work. The water was tricky with all the combinations of wind, waves and tidal flow. Just 27 boats entered suggests to me that uk sailors are saving their holiday allocation for the Worlds, but overseas visitors from The Netherlands, Germany and Australia swelling the ranks and once again, like last year, the Australian visitors showed how its done. I took the opportunity to make a good observation of the whole fleet from my position at the rear and I noticed this year the fleet was well packed together, not spread out. Even at the back I was still involved in cross tacking with other boats. At the finish the fleet was like a chain of boats and my ‘last’ was sometimes with an overlap. So any UK sailors who are thinking of entering the worlds even though they know they wont win… Come and enjoy what will be a great atmosphere with great sailing in fantastic waters and you will have me to compete with for last place.
Ian B 2522