Splash Nationals at the Norfolk Punt Club

Racing on Barton Broad during the Splash nationals © Gavin Johnson

With a forecast for light winds we were very fortunate to be racing at Barton. The wind never quite disappeared but it was always challenging to sniff the fastest course. Watching from the pontoons in the middle of the broad was intriguing. Competition was intense throughout the fleet, no more so than with the Brubert family. Older brother Jacob was given a serious examination by the younger brother Zach who revelled in the conditions on his debut in a Splash.

In race one Jake Sallis escaped into an early lead with Will Johnson rapidly pulling through the fleet to second place. Jacob Brubert and Victoria Marfleet were over at the start and had a lot of ground to make up on the leaders Jacob confidently carved through the fleet and splitting tacks took the race from Jake Sallis on the final beat. Will took third after enduring a spirited challenge local sailor Alice Dring who finished the series the highest of a good Punt Club entry.

A number of competitors spotted Otters playing in the water and whilst waiting for the start of the second race the spectators spotted one of these engaging creatures taking an eel home for lunch.

In race two Jacob Brubert fought hard to erode Victoria Marfleet’s lead eventually taking the race by a comfortable margin. With Jake Sallis in third Zach emulated his brother by pipping Will on the finish line to take fourth. With a break for lunch the competitors were able bask in the October sunshine.

The wind continued to rise and fall but never stabilised, the afternoon racing was to be as fascinating as the morning session.

For much of race three, Zach managed to lead his brother. With family bragging rights at risk the lighter Zach showed good speed whist Jacob’s experience and wind awareness allowed him to eventually out manoeuvre his brother. Victoria Marfleet took third but fourth and fifth positions were in doubt as Will and Jake indulged in a monumental tacking battle Will took fourth with Jake fifth.

The final race of the day took place in true Splash fashion lots of good natured banter and some great tactical racing. Georgina Pickworth and Victoria made excellent starts and Victoria escaped to an early lead but it was again the sibling rivalries which influenced the race. With Zach rounding the windward mark second and Jacob third, Rosie Johnson rounded fourth immediately ahead of older brother Will with Jake hot on their heels. The remainder of the fleet rounded together vying for position in close order for much of the rest of the race. At the finish Victoria won after a faultless race from Jacob in second with Zach in third. Biggest smile of the day went to Rosie who finished sixth.

It's very easy to focus on the top end of the fleet but all sailors performed exceptionally well in some very trying conditions. To their credit there were no retirements in the whole series. The mid fleet local battle between Alice, Ruth Myerscroft, Bartram Sawyer and James Edmund was hotly contested and highly absorbing.

Congratulations to Jacob Brubert who won the 2007 Splash National Championships with a near perfect set of results and to all who took part in a thoroughly intriguing day of racing.

The Norfolk Punt Club looked after us extremely well. The rocky road cakes went down really well (made from ginger biscuits). Thanks to all who attended to the NPC for running the event and to Boats and Bits in Norwich for providing two superb promo boats.

Overall Results: