The 2015 Albacore Nationals was sailed at Brightlingsea in Essex from 13th-16th August.
A fleet of 21 boats competed in excellent sailing conditions over three days.
Day one was lively to say the least with two races scheduled and over 20 knots of wind. The triangular course set by race officer Dave Charlton provided a tough beat followed by two epic screaming reaches. Race wins were shared with race one going to Michael McNamara and race two to Nev Herbert with Mike Hartley securing a second place in race one and Michael in race 2. The main topic at the bar after racing seemed to be sore muscles and the reaches!
Day two was marginally lighter and eased throughout racing. Three races were sailed and Nev built on his race 2 win with exceptional boat speed adding three more straight wins. Michael had to settle for three seconds and Judy Armstrong three thirds. Day three was a lighter wind day and with everything to play for Michael piled on the pressure and with good speed and exceptional wave craft won all three races. Conversely Nev and Judy had less success and Jerry Rook took a second and a third to improve his placing and Crispin Read-Wilson also picked up a second.
Results were Michael McNamara and "Flip" Foulds in first place, Judy & Paul Armstrong in second with Nev Herbert and Mark Fowler in third place.
Sunday took on a lighter note with a crews race won by Ian Simpson in Blue Streak and a 'Round the Islands' race for cash prizes won by Judy Armstrong.
An excellent Championship run by an exceptional friendly club who ticked all the boxes and made us very welcome. The race team provided excellent racing, the galley good food and the beer didn't run out! Commiserations to those who missed out - those who took part will certainly remember it.
A fuller report and complete results will be included in the next copy of Alive.
Albacore Andy
Blue Streak
