Osprey National Championship at Weymouth Sailing Club - Overall

The rescue team during the Osprey Nationals in Weymouth © Simon Hawkes

The Race Committee during the Osprey Nationals in Weymouth © Simon Hawkes

Yet again the wind did not disappoint and the sun came out to warm the weary sailors after three hard days racing. Slightly more wind was evident and the race team wisely postponed to see if as forecast it would moderate slightly from the average 25 knots to 30 knot gusts.

With the RS Games taking place next door in Portland harbour then their actions could easily influence whether the Ospreys would be heading out in to the more exposed and lumpy Weymouth bay. The 700s, 800s, 300s and 100s abandoned racing due to the conditions, but the rumour was the 400s might go out to play.

The hardy race team were firm in their resolve to give the top four a chance to compete and the remainder the chance to enjoy the Osprey at its finest, on the sea in waves and wind.

So the fleet launched and headed out to the race area in what became a solid 26 knots at the committee boat. After one general recall the 25 boat fleet were away with Blue Moon 5 boat lengths ahead of the fleet and bang on a well planned transit from the middle of the line. This catapulted them to the windward mark first. The reaches were two sail and one with spinnakers able to be used pretty well on the limit.

This left Terry Curtis, Piers, Sam Barker and Matt Burge scrapping around the course defending current positions and hoping to gain on each other.

It was tough and tiring with places changing right up until the finish and as the results show Terry clung on by his fingernails and Sam squeaked in on the extra boat required to pass Matt for second place.

Superb judgement by the race team had allowed the race to take place but sadly time precluded the running of the final race and the fleet headed in.

People will remember this as an outstanding championship quite rightly and in all respects as well as the incredible conditions.

Osprey Nationals in Weymouth prize winners - photo © Simon Hawkes

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Osprey nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here