Sigma 38 Nationals - Possibly the closest race ever

by Jon England on 11 May 2012 At the 2012 Sigma 38 National Championships, what may well be the closest racing in the Sigma 38’s two decade history was witnessed, with any number of capable boats winning. However, winning a race didn’t necessarily translate into top overall scores, in this class, consistency in every race is essential.

The Diamond family’s Rapscallion won a race and finished in sixth place. Kevin Sussmilch’s Mefisto was the only boat to win two races but this only gave them a fifth overall.

The Choules’ With Alacrity took the bullet in the coastal navigators’ race and finished fourth overall. Both the Goodhew’s Persephone and the Walker’s Pavlova III sailed robustly scoring a first and two seconds giving Pavolva III second and Persephone third overall. In the end tenacity and experience paid off and Festina Lente sailed by the Meakin’s family and friends were once again crowned the Sigma 38 National Champions.

The Sigma 38 Class found the warm and friendly welcome from the Royal Lymington Yacht Club absolutely outstanding. They are to be congratulated on every count; first class race management, good quality food, and excellent service, the perfect place to come back to from the race course.

Royal Lymington’s Race Officer Tony Blachford commented 'It is always a pleasure to have a fleet as competitive and experienced as the Sigma 38s. They love their racing and we set challenging courses over one of the highest tides of the year. On Saturday even after three windy races in Christchurch Bay, we set a fourth race home. Their starting was sharp indeed, but very few boats jumped the line.'

Thanks to the support of the overall regatta sponsor, Yachting Sports, events off the water were hugely appreciated and enjoyed. Brand sponsors Coast Graphics ensured the Sigma 38 class was the best dressed on the Solent, with crews sporting branded polo shirts and boats, battle flags. Day one race winners were presented with prizes from 1 Sails. Seatrack awarded copies of their navigational software to the top three boats in the coastal navigators’ race on day two.

Ocean Safety rewarded Rho, the best newcomer, Pandanova, the most improved boat, and Marta, the best dressed table, with top of the range lifejackets. The overall first, second, and third placed boats were delighted to receive Coast Graphic vouchers for canvas prints of their boats. And last but by absolutely no means least, the last three placed boats were given vouchers for a bottom scrub from RS Divers.

The next Sigma 38 One Design event is the regatta run by the Royal London Yacht Club on the 1st July after the Round the Island Race. The fleet cannot wait for the next opportunity to compete in this most competitive one design classes.

Sigma 38 website