Supernova Inland Championship 2022 at Blithfield Sailing Club

2022 Supernova Inlands at Blithfield © Iain Ferguson

In a return to the superb sailing waters of the largest reservoir in Staffordshire, the 2022 Inland Championship, supported by Hartley Boats Chandlery and Craftinsure, saw 54 entrants hosted by Blithfield Sailing Club.

On Day 1, with a wind of 8 knots gusting to 14 and failing to make up its mind as regards direction as it came over the dam, the PRO had a tricky decision as regards course and start line. With the fickle wind backing during the starting sequence, a developing port bias made for a difficult start in Race 1 and the result was a general recall and black flag re-start. The line was re-laid but the wind once again thumbed its nose and shifted to re-create a port bias. Nevertheless, most of the fleet started cleanly, with one black flagged boat.

Shifting gusts coming over the dam created a tight squeeze for the windward mark not least when approaching on starboard without breaching the outer limits of the sailing area. Some boats transgressed over the weekend and were disqualified. However, Gavin Young emerged as the winner of Race 1.

2022 Supernova Inlands at Blithfield - photo © Nick Woodhead

Following lunch, Race 2 and 3 saw a change in course to re-shape the beat and the fleet started cleanly on both occasions. The slower end of the fleet upped their game and the spread from front to back diminished. Cliff Milliner won both races.

Restored by the excellent choice of menu on the previous evening and re-charged by breakfast, Day 2 dawned with a generally southerly wind of around 10 knots with gusts of more than 20 knots. As the day progressed, the wind shifts continued to challenge the PRO and his team.

Race 4 started in a decent breeze and it was a case of 'pick a side and stick to it' with the middle of the reservoir probably coming out as a better route than the south side.

2022 Supernova Inlands at Blithfield - photo © Nick Woodhead

Race 5 was to be run on the same course but with less than a minute to go, the wind shifted to create a starboard bias that would have permitted some boats on the line to have fetched the windward mark. This led to the second general recall of the weekend. The course was re-laid and the second start was clean. All seemed to enjoy the good breeze on the reaches along the long axis of the reservoir.

Cliff Milliner won both Race 4 and 5.

Race 6 was notable for the wind shifts causing pile-ups at the windward mark as those on the starboard lay line were headed below and those on port were lifted in. Several boats found themselves in irons having been swept off the lay line with once again, the proximity of the sailing area limits adding spice to the choice of approach. After the initial chaos, the race settled down and some good battles were had. With waves developing in concert with the wind, the run produced a few impromptu capsizes. This final race was won by Stephen Hawley.

All 3 races were run back-to-back and provided plenty of entertainment for competitors and spectators alike. Racing was fast and frenetic with the usual compression of space and fighting for room at the marks - often with upwards of 8 boats contesting water. By the end of the day, the fleet was even closer spaced albeit the leaders remained consistently out front with Cliff Milliner, once again, emerging as the overall winner.

Overall Results:

1st Place: Cliff Milliner
2nd Place : William Gifford
3rd Place : Gavin Young
1st Lady : Serina Stewardson
1st Mk 1 : Philip Hind