National 18 Spring Challenge at Tamesis Club

Start of the third race during the Tamesis Club National 18 Spring Challenge © Carolyne Vines

The National 18 Spring Challenge at Tamesis Club brought out eight boats in a gusty North Easterly, which was excitingly strong at times, and delightful afternoon sunshine.

Entries included four of the new Ultras and Woodstock, visiting from faraway Ullswater. The 18s had two races in the afternoon in addition to the scheduled morning race and the handicap series was won on countback by Ollie Houseman and Jeremy Vines in their new Ultra 'Ace', from Colin Murray's visiting 'Woodstock', a veteran PenUltimate.

The first past the post trophy was also won by Ollie and Jeremy. Second in 'Second Chance' were David and Maxine Vines, and third in 'Optimus Prime' were Kaan Yargici and Matt Peregrine-Jones.

This was a new event masterminded by Alan Green to encourage the fleet to be on the water early in the year, and is likely to be repeated.

Ollie Houseman and Jeremy Vines in Ace clinch the Tamesis Club National 18 Spring Challenge - photo © Carolyne Vines