Supernova Sailing Dinghy Race Report

National Championship Grafham Water

Supernova National Championships at Grafham Water
 
58 Supernovas descended on Grafham for the 2003 National Championships on 6-7th Sept. This excellent turnout reflects how interest in the class has developed.

Competitors of all ages travelled from all over the country, arriving to damp conditions and light winds.

After the briefing the large fleet, joining with both the Lightnings and Bytes made their way to the start. The race officer dealt with changeable conditions. The fleet got away cleanly, splitting up the first beat. First the left was favoured, then the right. At the first mark newcomer Tony Wilde, Andy Flitcroft and Mike Gibson established an early lead. This trend continued with these 3 changing positions, Tom Abbott and Adrian Hollier joined the leaders. Further down the fleet many places were gained and lost on the various shifts. On the last leg it looked as if Tom Abbott would sail under everybody else, however the
wind filled in on the opposite side letting Andy Flitcroft take the win, followed by Tony Wilde, Mike Gibson and Tom Abbott.

The afternoons racing involved 2 races sailed back to back in freshening conditions after a squall livened things up. In these challenging conditions, some new faces appeared at the front of the fleet. Chris Clarke, Tim Harris and Geoff Richards were going well. Tony Wilde had to work hard to take the lead. He went on to win with Geoff Richards 2nd, and Tim Harris 3rd. Tony Critchley made good progress, although Chris Clarke slipped back to 6th.

With a freshening wind Race 3 was delayed while the course was reset, at the same time some boats were struggling with the force 5. Race 3 got underway with the lads from Bolton showing their experience in the stronger wind. The reaches now became more exciting and the gybes scarier. A battle developed between Tony Critchley and Andy Flitcroft, with Andy coming out on top in 1st, 2nd Tony Critchley and the consistent Mike Gibson 3rd. Well placed was Ian Moodie also from Bolton.

Saturday evening the Supernovas held their AGM, which saw the election of Mr Frank Puranik as the inaugural President. After the meeting an excellent meal, followed by a disco was enjoyed by all. A good turnout on the dance floor by the supernovas was only surpassed by Hugh "Travolta" Spencer from the Lightnings.

Sunday morning, race 4 saw very light winds. A trapezoid course was set.
The fleet got away with some competitive tacking on the numerous shifts. Luck and skill both played a part as the boats approached the windward mark Tony Wilde and Tony Critchley seemed to have the race sewn up as they broke away. The wind disappeared and allowed last years Champ, Norman Halstead to close right up, together with Jean Simmonds, Adrian
Hollier and Mike Gibson. Tony Critchley dropped right back, which left the four to fight it out. The final leg was a fetch to the line. Norman Halstead picked up the breeze to win ,followed by Mike Gibson who finished 3rd as Adrian Hollier sailed low to the line for 2nd. 4th Tony Wilde, 5th Jean Simmonds, 6th Martin Gibson.

To the disappointment and/or relief races 5 and 6 had to be abandoned due to lack of wind.
The presentation was brought forward.

Overall results:
1st 517 Tony Wilde, Elton SC, 7 points
2nd 484 Mike Gibson, Bartley SC, 9 points
3rd 553 Andy Flitcroft, Bolton SC, 13 points
4th 541 Norman Halstead, South Cerney SC, 13 points
5th 525 Tony Critchley, Bolton SC, 14 points
6th 474 Adrian Hollier, West Oxfordshire SC, 18 points
7th 400 Tim Harris, Up River YC, 18 points
8th 510 Jean Simmons, South Cerney SC, 21 points
9th 452 Geoff Richards, Fowey Gallants SC, 22 points
10th 423 Chris Clarke, Welwyn Garden City SC, 25 points

Ladies Prize: Jean Simmons (8th)
Veterans Prize: Neil Boneham (Bartley SC - 11th)
Most Improved Helm: Nick Hoath (Bough Beech SC - 17th)
Personal Handicap Prize: Keith Mansfield (Covenham SC - 32nd)