Naval Air Command Regatta - 2008

The 23-24 Jun saw the successful return of the all new NAC Regatta held in Falmouth Harbour courtesy of the RNAS Culdrose Sail and Powerboat Training Centre.

A revised format of fleet racing only, instead of the traditional day each of team-racing and fleet racing encouraged greater participation and the ability to build a meaningful series of races. Better planned timings for the event have also been well received, where crews can now travel to Falmouth during a weekday morning, begin racing at midday(ish), enjoy a BBQ/beers in the evening before completing the regatta series the next morning and departing just after lunch. The Regatta is now established as an event that takes out only 2 days in total, but manages to cram in a day’s worth of racing with a strong emphasis on meeting up with fellow Fleet Air Arm dinghy sailors and shooting the breeze over a few beers in the evening!

The Race Report

Courses were laid in the area of Falmouth Bank; triangle, sausage configuration. Only 2 races (of 4 planned for Monday pm) were possible on Day 1, as the wind died at a critical juncture. All 4 were held on Day 2 (am).

Both the first races saw the individual recall of one or 2 eager competitors, notably Tim Julian in both these starts. Steven Jose showed the way round the first race, but was recalled in the 2nd, and this gave Tony Gray a chance to show his paces. As he approached the leeward mark on the 2nd lap, the wind died and half a dozen boats were caught within sniffing distance of the finish line but without enough air to progress. To his immense relief, Tony Gray managed to pick up a zephyr to gain first place ahead of Steven Jose and Al Read who shared 2nd place as the Committee could not separate them on the line.

Better, though still light, Southerly winds faced the fleet on Tuesday morning. Steven Jose was not able to compete to defend his overnight lead, and Jo Deakin had handed over her slot in the boat to Martin Roper, who shared the helming with Johnny Walker. Tony Gray had a battle for the lead round the shortened first race of Day 2 with Sean Whitehead and in the end they could not be separated on the line as the latter let the advantage at the last mark slip from his grasp. In the next 3 races, Martin Roper and Johnny Walker built upon their 3rd place in Race 3 to dominate the next 3 races to take the title.

The prizes were awarded by the RNSA (Air) Branch Captain, Capt John Stratton, and the full set of results can be seen below:

Wrap it up…

The 2008 NAC Regatta would not have been such a great success without the dedication and enthusiasm of the Culdrose Sail and Powerboat Centre team, particularly Graham Williams and Patrick Clarke who deserve huge thanks for their efforts.

All in all, a great event and we are already looking forward to next year where it is hoped we can build on the success of the revised format – the date will be confirmed in the 2009 RNSA(Air) Branch Dinghy Calendar.

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