NATIONAL 3000 SAILING CHAMPIONS AT RUTLAND WATER

Two brothers, James (Captain) and George Thomas successfully held on to their national champion status for another year, claiming the U18 3000 national championship at Rutland Water over the weekend of 15th October.

James, from Killington village near Sedbergh, was crewed by his brother this year, hoping to hold on to the champion status – which he did, overcoming two breakdowns on the second day of the regatta.

Myles Ripley, Master in charge of Sailing, said: “There was very little wind as we arrived on Saturday but a decent breeze set in for the racing in an event of over 40 boats – three races back to back in the afternoon which left the Thomas brothers in 3rd place overnight and leading youth and Laser 3000 boat.  

Meanwhile Chay Turner-Richard (OS, Powell House 2016), from Carlisle, and Peter Fairbank, from  York were having a torrid time after a good 3rd place in race 1, but then a gennaker problem required a visit to shore to sort out and then a significant leak slowed them down to 5th and 6th in the final 2 races – 5th overnight.

Running repairs to their boat hopefully sorted it out, plus a change of jib to the laminate one, left them hopeful of better results on Day 2.  Just to rest the brains we visited the Odeon in Kettering to see “Inferno” before retiring to bed.

“Rutland’s catering department do a fine “Full English” for breakfast so all were set up for a good day’s racing.  Significantly more wind, and quite a heavy downpour greeted them as they set off  BUT… in the Thomas boat an inner shroud gave way and they retreated to prevent mast breakage.  

However, the chandlery at the sailing club was able to manufacture a replacement so they were able to take part in the remaining races but then a toe strap failed!  This may have affected their spirit as their race 5 was a disaster and saw them well beaten.

As the wind came and went fortunes varied but in the end….. they managed to beat off the next best youth boat and secured the U18 National Youth Championship. Meanwhile, Chay and Peter were having a better day and managed to boost their position to 4th overall.”

“The Thomas brothers were in action again this weekend, at the CCF national regatta on tidal waters in Plymouth, along with Geordan Moss and Walter Keegan.”

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