Craftinsure Osprey UK National Championship at Poole Yacht Club - Days 1 & 2

2023 Osprey Class Nationals: 2023 National Champions Matt Rainback & Phill Angrave sailing Osprey 1353 `String driven Thing`, © Peter Hickson

Day 1 of the 45 boat Osprey Nationals, being hosted by Poole Yacht Club from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th September 2024, started with rigging in heavy rain.

By the start of race one it was still raining. First races were sailed in the harbour, once away it was quickly clear that pin end and a an early tack got you near enough the lay line to carve a chunk out of the rest of the fleet. Ben McGrane &and James Ross in 1340 'Beastly Whizzer' were first round the windward mark and had a good battle for a couple of laps until Matt Rainback & Phil Angrave in 1352 'String Diven Thing' wriggled through at the weather mark, where it was raining.

Matt Burge & Vyv Townend 1353 'Calisto' worked hard to get to 3rd spot at the finish where it was still raining.

Race 2 some heavy rain had now set in and an increasing breeze.

Ben & James and Matt & Vyv took the pin again. Matt & Vyv tacked and took some big ducks to head right into the favoured tide. They looked a good way ahead from what could be seen in the rain but were slowly reeled in by Matt & Phil who seemed fast on all points of sail. It was hard to see much in the rain but the yellow boat, Phil Meakins & Richard Anderton in 1347 'Pipe and Slippers', clearly made it to 3rd until Ben & James slid through as the wind faded to 5 or 6 knots. The rain didn't fade.

A green 'supa' food smoothie - photo © Osprey class

The fleet headed back to the shore in rain, packed up in rain and headed to the bar in rain.

Everyone seemed in good spirits in what will probably become known as rainy Thursday for years to come.

Visibility was very limited at times & it was very wet, bailers were required to get rid of the rain water. It was very cold between races - certainly very memorable.

So at the end of day the 2023 National Champions Matt & Phil lead the pack having managed two bullets. Second & third have been split on last race.

Day 2 racing was abandoned at 13:00 hrs on Friday due to weather forecast being poor for wind. Looks like it was good call. Some of the competitors went out into Poole for coffees and someone ordered "A green 'supa' food smoothie".

The wind strength (or lack of it) in Poole today - photo © www.pooleyc.co.uk

The top 4 teams will be hosting a Q&A after the Class AGM on Friday evening plus provide help and advice on racing tips & boat set up.

The Class gratefully acknowledge the support of Craftinsure, Hartley Boats, Allen Brothers, Clamcleat, Fernhurst Books, Robline and Seasure

Results after Day 2: