Nacra 15 Training and Spring Points 2 at Weston Sailing Club
by Matt Emerson 18 Mar 23:35 PDT
15-16 March 2025
On Saturday morning, 7 boats rigged up ready for a 9:30 briefing before a day's training led by coaches James Hadden and Ben Harris.
The weather was sunny and on shore when sheltered was very warm. We went over some theory before the tide allowed us to launch at 11:15.
As soon as we launched, it was apparent that it was a bit windier than we thought. A (very very cold) northerly wind met us on Southampton Water with gusts reaching up to 20 knots. This wind direction is known for being shifty and gusty, as we found out to our cost!
One minute you'd be in 6-7 knots, the next a 17 knot gust! All boats had a great day training, with the main focus being tactical decisions and linking our starting positions with where we want to go on the first leg.
On Sunday it was time to go racing. 4 races were scheduled for the Nacra 15s, 3 of which being held alongside Weston's club racing. Similar winds to the day before meant it was a day of finding the pressure and staying consistent.
Race 1 proved tricky with all teams trying to find their way up the shifty and gusty course. By the end of the race, Finn and Jess on GBR 166 fought off Marcus and Maddy to take the bullet for the first race of the day, putting them in a good position to start the day.
Race 2 was the first to go alongside club racing and that meant a reaching start. Many teams struggled to set up. The big question was whether to use the spinnaker on this leg or not. Weston locals Marcus and Maddie took the win, followed by Anna and Charlotte behind them.
Race 3 was a similar story, GBR 378, Marcus and Maddie took the win to see off Will and Eliza. Everything was still to play for going into the final race as a discard would be in place after race 4 takes place.
The final race was a battle to win the event! It came down to the final lap with place changes all around the racecourse.
By the end it was Marcus and Maddie who took the win and with it the overall regatta. Finn and Jess followed behind after passing Patrick and Ffion to take 2nd place in race 4 and also overall.
It was a really close regatta that went down to the final race. Congratulations to the top 3:
1st Marcus and Maddie
2nd Finn and Jess
3rd Will and Eliza
It was great to see new Nacra 15 sailors Louis and Henry participating over the weekend! Thanks to our generous sponsors Sailing Chandlery for the fantastic prizes and to Weston SC led by "Team Harris" for being fantastic hosts.
Less than two weeks until Winter Points 3, the Sailing Chandlery Spring Champs at Warsash SC. All junior sailors are invited to come on down for a chat about how to get involved in the fastest youth boat!
To join the action please visit www.nacra15.co.uk or sign up for our Demo Day on April 26th.