Young gun shows how it's done at the 2017 Jollyboat Nationals

by Jim Molloy on 1 Apr 2017 Hamish Hall-Smith took overall honours with a master class in handling a Jolly boat in all conditions. The event was hosted by Howick Sailing club and it is safe to say they couldn't have done a better job.

The facilities were great, the atmosphere was convivial, the race officiating was professional and efficient. All the feedback was extremely positive.

The Jollyboat community would like to thank Marc Frewin and the shore based team for the fantastic organisational effort and Richard Lane and his team for the on-water organisation.

It would be hard to fault any aspect of the three days - a personal highlight was the spit roast and garden bar.

Looking at the sailing....

The first day saw perfect weather with a moderate breeze (better suited to the lighter sailors) which saw Steve Tennent and Mark Winters join Hamish at the top of the fleet after day one.

Saturday was a different story with the wind freshening and better suited to double handed or the larger frame sailor. Both Grim and Blair turning in some good results.
Sunday initially saw very light winds, at around 2-3 knots, perfect if you're sub 75 Kgs. Unfortunately, the race officer was looking for the sea breeze to kick in to provide and even playing field.

I suspect the heavy brigade we're looking for an abandonment; but the breeze filled in and we got some very good racing.

What was interesting to see was one sailor showed a consistency in all conditions and deservedly took the honours. Hamish Hall-Smith recorded nothing lower than fourth for a Net of 9; to take the overall and single handed trophies, winning 5 of the 8 races with two seconds. He adds the J14 national title to the Farr 3.7 national title he won in 2016, and is the youngest winner in history in both classes.

Congratulations to Blair Gerrard, sailing with his son Adin, in taking out the double handed division.

The handicap trophy went to newcomer Nathan Pinch who’s just bought Storm.

There were some learnings and improvement opportunities for all sailors over the weekend:
- Club starting techniques don’t cut it - The race officer will ping you if over at the start
- Barging and lack of compliance with the basics of 'avoiding a collision' will see carnage at marks
- You can't change sails or crew mid regatta - good idea to read the NOR
- It is possible to capsize in two knots of breeze - just ask Bill for tips
- It's easier to control your boom position if your mainsheet is installed properly and not trailing behind the transom

Despite the pile up at the wing mark the sportsmanship and camaraderie was superb. It's also good to see no boats receiving significant damage.

At the AGM the class also voted in a change in name from the Jollyboat to the more modern and less confusing J14. People’s reaction has always been “you sail a what?” when you try to to explain what a Jolly is. Another motion was also passed to begin investigation of a new square top mainsail design.

A vote of thanks was also passed to Graham Fleury who stepped down from running the class this year after many years of dedicated service. Under Graham’s leadership, supported through help from rules expert John Clinton, the class rules were updated and streamlined, the WOF declaration system was strengthened, and the class’s national profile continues to draw in new sailors.

Thanks to all who took part in making this such a successful regatta. The class is in good health!