Nine boats turned up for some match Supernova Matching racing at Haversham SC on the Friday afternoon before the Supernova Open- including current National Champion Mike Gibson. The weather was just perfect - bright Autumn sunshine - almost warm - and a light F1 - F2.

Race Office Mike Ewart explained at the briefing the niceities of match racing and then balls were drawn for who was sailing against who. The odd number meant that there were 7 byes and only one match in the 1st round! Good old Steve Swain swapped his place with visitor Tim Le Mare so that Tim was one of those with a bye. The number and conditions meant triangle sausage 6 min races - and a best of three for each heat.

Unfortunately for Steve he was up against Phil East, the lastest of the recruits to the growing Haversham Supernova fleet and potential hot shot and out Steve went.

The semi-final saw a one side match between Mike Gibson and Barry Winter - Mike's boat speed was just awesome. The other semi-final saw Jeff Tucker up against Tim Le Mare. It was certainly the noisiest - not for the shouting but the laughter and banter. Jeff came out winner setting up a final with Mike.

Jeff put up good fight and was always on the shirt-tails of Mike and at times it looked as if Jeff had the guile and speed to match Mike - but he's not National Champion for nothing and those on the side were shown how a Supernova should be tacked.

Canny Tim pipped Barry to 3rd in what can best be described a dying wind and light!

A good event with those watching having as much fun as those sailing.

A nice gallery of pictures here.