RS Feva National Championships final day one to remember

by Debbie Darling on 6 Jun 2012 The final day of the 2012 Sekonda RS Feva National Championships was a day to remember.

Driving rain, poor visibility, 14 – 18 knots of breeze with the threat of more wind later. The forecast had been varied all weekend but the Race Officer decided to err on the side of caution and held the silver fleet on shore whilst gold fleet went out to test the conditions.

Although the wind didn’t build as forecast, the rain swept in and at times the windward mark could not be seen.

Robert Masterman crewed by Marcus Payne continued to show the fleet their heavy wind skills and they streaked away to win the first race of the day comfortably. Elliott Wells and Jake Todd flew downwind to jump from 20th to fourth and then climbed through to second place at the finish. Third to finish was overnight leader Matt Whitfield and James Taylor.

The visibility worsened at times for the second race of the day but again it was Robert and Marcus leading the way from start to finish but this time Matt and James were hot on their heels securing second place and ensuring that the final race was a ‘show down’ between the two.

The final start saw Matt and James use match race tactics to keep Robert and Marcus back & the pair were last across the line resulting in Robert and Marcus counting a 10th from the previous days light wind race.

Meanwhile the rest of the fleet were fighting it out for third place overall.

At the first leeward gate Tom Darling and Will Dolin were ahead of James Hutton-Penmam and Thomas Jayasekara then James Curtis and Harry Phelps. They extended their lead and the positions held to the finish. The championship however was decided further down the fleet with Matt and James securing the title with a 39th whilst Robert and Marcus posted a 37th which gave them second.

As the gold fleet sailed home the silver fleet came out to race. In the end it was Libi Askew and Emily Proud first at the post followed by Max and Cody Griggs with Rex Farrant and Lewis Keen in third.

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club organized a fantastic event despite the weather with varied racing and efficient organisation.

Matt and James are worthy champions of the open title, youth title (under 18 ) and All Boys Trophy, Robert and Marcus came second despite scoring five firsts in the windier conditions. Third place went to 11 year old Elliott Wells and Jake Todd whilst in fourth were Anna Prescott and Jess Eales who also secured the All Girls Trophy.

Tom Darling and Will Dolin finished fifth and took away the Junior Trophy (under 14 ) just ahead of Morgan Peach and Sophie Caseldine making a guest appearance at the event and first local boat.

The Silver fleet was won by Matthew Viney and Huw Nunn with Max and Cody Griggs second ahead of Immi Slinn and Ruby Griffin.

First family were brothers Chay and Stirling Taylor in 10th overall whilst Edward (son) and Steve (dad) Norbury second in 12th overall; a 26th overall gave Graeme (dad) and Izzi (daughter) Bristow third place.

Top Club was Hayling Island SC whilst first Team winning the Anemoi Regional Challenge Trophy were the East Class Squad based at Rutland SC.

A special mention was made and prizes given to the three 10 year olds competing at the event: Jessica Jobson; Bethany Hewitt; India Edwards. Merit prizes went to Harry Ashworth and Fred Clarke.

Results here and here

http://www.rsfeva.org.uk/" target="_blank">RS Feva website