WASZP UK Nationals at Rutland Sailing Club - Day 1

We've wound up a pretty big day for the first of the championship races at the UK WASZP Nationals. The pouring rain didn't dampen spirits as the record-breaking fleet clocked up 5 races in a solid 15 knots of gusty and shifty conditions.

Sam Whaley dominated race 1 by launching from a committee boat start to take control of the fleet. He held his lead throughout to seal the win. Whaley took the lead in race 2 with the same starting tactic but stuffed a tack to let Jamie Calder through for the bullet. Again, it was Whaley dominating the start in race 3 in what was a carbon copy of race 1 for him, taking the win.

UK WASZP Nationals at Rutland day 1 - photo © Howevideography

The winning formula backfired for the Swanage sailor in the fourth race as he pulled the trigger early and got nailed with an OCS. The final race saw lead changes throughout as the wind got patchier and lighter. Ed Higson made the best of it to take the final bullet, putting him on the podium at the end of day 1. Hattie Rogers is leading the way for the female sailors, sitting in 9th overall.

The battles continued throughout the fleet, with the WASZP class offering quality one-design racing for sailors of all levels. Despite the grey backdrop and constant rain, the 50 boats lining up on the start line provided a real spectacle, making it clear that the WASZP class in the UK is going from strength to strength.

UK WASZP Nationals at Rutland day 1 - photo © Howevideography

Steak night (and beer) is set to repair the tired bodies ready for Saturday. There are two more days to go before winners are decided, so stay tuned for more action to come.

Results after Day 1: