Impala Championships 2011 winner Patriot Games

by Ben Meakins on 5 Jul 2011 Impala Championships 2011 - Light winds plagued the eight Impalas who made it to the start line, in Hamble, over the weekend, but eventually the assembled yachts enjoyed some close, exciting one design racing – once the sea breeze had filled in, anyway.

A 60 degree wind shift turned the fleet on its head in the only race to take place on Saturday, with Celerity, helmed by Andy Blundell, keeping their eyes out of the boat and using the shift to their advantage, taking first place. Paul Blowers’ Patriot Games was second, with class secretary Kevin Palfreeman in Zulu third. The AP remained hoisted for the rest of the day as a sea breeze tried and failed to materialise in time.

On Sunday, two races were sailed in perfect summer sailing conditions. Paul Blowers’ Patriot Games won the first race, with Celerity second and Polly third, and Happy a fraction of a second behind. The second race was a close run thing, with Patriot Games, Polly, Happy and Zulu all briefly holding the lead. At the finish, the first three boats crossed the line within two seconds of each other – one design racing at its best, and not bad for a design that is 32 years old this year! Boats travelled from Chichester, Poole and Plymouth to take part – and Monkey Business, from the East Coast, was due to sail until she lost her rig in the Round the Island race.

Patriot Games won the event overall, with Celerity second and Polly third. Thanks go to Wight Vodka, TackTick and Hullmate, who provided the prizes, and to the RSrnYC’s race committee.

The association is keen to get more impalas involved and would be keen to hear from any Impala owners and sailors – if you have one, please get in touch via the new website. See you on the water soon!

Results:
1st Patriot Games – Paul Blowers and Nick Daniels
2nd Celerity – Andy Blundell
3rd Polly – Ben Meakins and Adrian Cudmore
4th Zulu – Kevin Palfreeman
5th Happy – John McQuillan
6th Vlad the Impala – Martin Perry
7th Uproar – Nigel Shepherd
Trudi – Philip McDanell DNC
Monkey Business – Robert Legget DNC

Impala 28 Class Association website