Noble Marine Albacore National Championship at the Plas Heli Welsh National Sailing Academy

2019 Noble Marine Albacore Nationals at Pwllheli © Dave Whittle / Andy Pearce

Noble Marine Albacore Nationals at Pwllheli © Dave Whittle / Andy Pearce

Noble Marine Albacore Nationals at Pwllheli © Dave Whittle / Andy Pearce

Thirty Albacores contested the 2019 Nationals at Plas Heli Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre in Pwllheli.

The three day, seven race event was sailed in light to moderate shifty winds in generally dry weather, a contrast to last year's event when storms allowed only two races.

Sponsored by Noble Marine Insurance, this was a warm up to the 2021 Internationals that will be sailed at the same venue. Racing was dominated by the P&B crew of Oliver Davenport and Fergus Barnham with five bullets, one second and the luxury of not needing to sail on the last day. Behind them the racing was tight throughout the fleet and both older wooden and newer plastic boats featured in the top ten. Jerry Rook and Jake Stow (Lyme Regis) finished as runners-up with John Greenwood and Kay Tavinor (West Kirby) taking third overall on countback from Peter Snowdon and Steve Penfold (Scaling Dam). In the team prizes West Kirby won followed closely by Scaling Dam.

Race management was excellent with the use of the U flag enabling a quick turnaround whilst the teams enjoyed the Snowdonia National Park back drop in Cardigan Bay and the food and refreshments were great back onshore at Plas Heli. Thanks to all involved!

To keep things interesting there were a number of spot and tally prizes awarded including holdalls and clothing donated by P&B and Noble plus Beer and Welsh Cakes for first boat to the windward mark.

A number of racing mishaps were noted including Class Commodore, Jerry Rook, falling out of his boat, and a mast foot bracket failure that brought a premature end to the regatta for Nev Herbert and Mark Fowler.

After the event 12 Albacores were loaded into shipping containers ready to represent GBR at the Albacore Internationals in Shelburne, Canada, 24-31 August.

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