The 2019 49er Class nationals were held at Rutland water, on the 26/27th November.
Despite a late change to the calendar the event still proved ever popular, with 8 club sailing crews signed on.
Saturday started off damp, with a dull drizzle and light air providing little cause for excitement. Reinvigorated by a catch up and some coffee, we all rigged up and the race was on. Race 1 was a steady 8 knots, with Chris Tilbrook/Ewan Gribbin securing the first win. New faces brought fresh competition with Colin Rawlinson/Graeme Rowe showing some impressive pace upwind, along with keen returners to the class Max/Cody Griggs in their new ship. The breeze built up a little for Races 2 and 3, leading to Matty/James Lyons taking two race wins. The building breeze made things a little busier, with a few boats having some exciting moments at the leeward mark. To finish off the first day of sailing, Saturday evening consisted of an AGM, dinner at the club and a strong effort by all to make good use of the bar whilst swapping stories of the day.
Day 2 was a slightly different story with a strong breeze already blowing first thing in the morning. A fresh 20 knots could be seen from the club, resulting in some quick changes to rig settings (after a bit of advice from the more experienced crews..) Not to be beaten by the weather, everyone gave the conditions a go, resulting in some full on racing. Graeme Rowe and Colin Rawlinson broke a spreader, ending their day of sailing early, leaving 5 boats to battle it out. Strong gusts produced some rapid downwind legs, with survival conditions at times. Team Lyons continued where they had left off, posting two more wins and sealing victory, closely followed by Tilbrook/Gribbin which decided 1st and 2nd. The fight was on for third. Tilbrook/Gribbin took the final win, and after some tense upwind crosses, Theo Galyer/Dave Treagust won out against Andrew Whapshott/Jake Smith to claim 3rd place overall.
Congratulations to the 2019 Nationals winners;
1st - Matty Lyons / James Lyons - Ullswater SC
2nd - Chris Tilbrook / Ewan Gribbin - Paignton SC
3rd - Theo Galyer / Dave Treagust - Hayling Island Sailing Club
Many thanks to Ovington Boats for supplying the prizes, and to Rutland Sailing Club for providing great racing and a smooth, well organised event.
2020 looks to be a good year for the class, with several open events, and inlands on top of the 2 day nationals with an additional training day.All rigs, 49er Aluminium, Carbon mast and 49er FX are welcome and fleets split accordingly. Courtesy of Ovington, a brand new Pre-09 mainsail is up for grabs at the nationals for the top aluminium rig boat! If you have any questions from boat setup to event dates, please get in touch with the UK 49er Class via Facebook or the website.
The 2019 49er Class nationals were held at Rutland water, on the 26/27th November.
Despite a late change to the calendar the event still proved ever popular, with 8 club sailing crews signed on.
Saturday started off damp, with a dull drizzle and light air providing little cause for excitement. Reinvigorated by a catch up and some coffee, we all rigged up and the race was on. Race 1 was a steady 8 knots, with Chris Tilbrook/Ewan Gribbin securing the first win. New faces brought fresh competition with Colin Rawlinson/Graeme Rowe showing some impressive pace upwind, along with keen returners to the class Max/Cody Griggs in their new ship. The breeze built up a little for Races 2 and 3, leading to Matty/James Lyons taking two race wins. The building breeze made things a little busier, with a few boats having some exciting moments at the leeward mark. To finish off the first day of sailing, Saturday evening consisted of an AGM, dinner at the club and a strong effort by all to make good use of the bar whilst swapping stories of the day.
Day 2 was a slightly different story with a strong breeze already blowing first thing in the morning. A fresh 20 knots could be seen from the club, resulting in some quick changes to rig settings (after a bit of advice from the more experienced crews..) Not to be beaten by the weather, everyone gave the conditions a go, resulting in some full on racing. Graeme Rowe and Colin Rawlinson broke a spreader, ending their day of sailing early, leaving 5 boats to battle it out. Strong gusts produced some rapid downwind legs, with survival conditions at times. Team Lyons continued where they had left off, posting two more wins and sealing victory, closely followed by Tilbrook/Gribbin which decided 1st and 2nd. The fight was on for third. Tilbrook/Gribbin took the final win, and after some tense upwind crosses, Theo Galyer/Dave Treagust won out against Andrew Whapshott/Jake Smith to claim 3rd place overall.
Congratulations to the 2019 Nationals winners;
1st - Matty Lyons / James Lyons - Ullswater SC
2nd - Chris Tilbrook / Ewan Gribbin - Paignton SC
3rd - Theo Galyer / Dave Treagust - Hayling Island Sailing Club
Many thanks to Ovington Boats for supplying the prizes, and to Rutland Sailing Club for providing great racing and a smooth, well organised event.
2020 looks to be a good year for the class, with several open events, and inlands on top of the 2 day nationals with an additional training day.All rigs, 49er Aluminium, Carbon mast and 49er FX are welcome and fleets split accordingly. Courtesy of Ovington, a brand new Pre-09 mainsail is up for grabs at the nationals for the top aluminium rig boat! If you have any questions from boat setup to event dates, please get in touch with the UK 49er Class via Facebook or the website.
