Noble Marine 3000 Nationals at Draycote Water Sailing Club

The 3000 nationals take place at Draycote over the weekend © Malcolm Lewin / www.malcolmlewinphotography.zenfolio.com/sail

The Noble Marine Insurance sponsored 3000 Nationals was held at Draycote Water SC on 29-30 September, attracting 16 boats this year. Numbers were depleted by 2 boats which were sadly impounded at Queen Mary SC on their day of departure, due to foot and mouth restrictions. The weekend was shared with Laser Vagos and Laser 2000s, creating a lively event with plenty of banter. The exposed site of the reservoir meant that the Windguru forecast was exceeded, with a fairly consistent Force 2-3 producing some highly tactical racing in mainly sub-planing conditions.

Last year’s champions Tony Hunt and Suzanne Hall from Wilsonian SC defended their title convincingly, counting five bullets. Will Archer and Ben Blake, teaming up from Carsington and Queen Mary, excelled in the light airs, securing second overall, top Laser 3000 and top Juniors.

Newcomers Dave Fenech and Allison Williams, also from Wilsonian, took the sixth race win, third place overall and the Masters title. The Youth title went to circuit regulars Arian Manouchehri and Lee Howson from Sedburgh Private School in Cumbria.

The revival of the 3000 class continues, with the five new Vandercraft 3000s that entered all finishing in the top eight, but original Laser 3000 hulls taking half the second and third places in individual races demonstrated the disparity isn’t that great, even in light to moderate conditions which favoured the lighter hulled “V”.

Thanks to Ronstan and Vandercraft for their generous donations of ‘extra large’ spot prizes. With the “Which Bill?” quiz prizes and free crew necks for all competitors, nobody went home empty handed. Special thanks to all at Draycote Water SC, a fantastic venue, who hosted our very good humoured Nationals for the second year running.

Overall Results: