2022 Vane 36 National Championship Report and Results

Vane 36 National Championship 16th and 17th April 2022 at Gosport MYBC
For our first major Free Sailing event of the year, Gosport Model Yacht and Boat Club’s Walpole Lake looked amazing, sparkling in the sunshine with a variable ESE/ SE wind which, for a few races on Sunday, became a glorious easterly beat and run! On Saturday, an underlying breeze, on the light side of medium, fluctuated in strength sufficiently to require some sail changes. By Sunday morning the breeze had increased, although it seemed from a steadier direction, skippers found they had to manage settings to accommodate nuances at different points of the lake. By the afternoon there was more wind, and many changed down sails.
Originally there were 18 boats entered, but two were withdrawn leaving a strong fleet of 16. There were a mix of designers with designs going back over half a century up until hot off the blocks this year. Designs were from nine different designers.
The competitors, representing eight clubs, were aged between 10 and the late 70’s and included at least half a dozen former/current National champions from a range of classes. There were families of three generations participating, as well as parents with children, and also siblings racing together. Overall, there were 7 juniors and several youngsters in their late teens. It was noticeable how their skills have developed over the years, which is vital because they are the future of Free Sailing.
By the end of the first day, the results were close with Peter Fothergill and Paul Edwards one point ahead of Dave and Amber Geldard. Chris Harris was only two points behind them. Snapping at his heels were Lewis and Russell Wyeth ahead by one point from their Dad and Grandad, Shaun and Graham Wyeth. The freshening wind conditions on Sunday morning saw Peter and Paul drawing out their lead and maintaining their supremacy on the upwind legs. Shaun and Graham improved to 2nd place and Chris and Lewis in 3rd and 4th respectively. However, it was not cut and dried. The winds were stronger at the beginning of the afternoon and successfully setting a guy (enabling boats to self-tack) became important. By the end of the day, Shaun and Graham, from being three points behind were a clear ten points ahead of Peter and Paul in second place. Chris Harris maintained a third position on countback and Lewis and Russell, were fourth.
Throughout the fleet there were some very close finishes. The leaders and more experienced sometimes lost points to less experienced skippers! There were a few resails resulting from collisions, several when spinnakers were able to be deployed. In one notable case two boats collided very shortly before the finishing line and had to go all the way back for a resail! A number of restarts were necessary following collisions close to the start. Fifteen races were achieved, so every skipper sailed every other skipper.
Competitors and the race team, the latter with many members from the club’s radio fleets, were thanked by the Race Officer, Jacque Cook for participating in what was a very successful and amiable weekend. Those who assisted the skippers that were racing without mates were particularly thanked as they increased their leg work to cover the boats: great stamina! There was a special vote of thanks to Cassie Wyeth who provided an amazing range of freshly baked cakes which were greatly appreciated. Prizes were awarded by the Vice Commodore, Darin Wigg and as it was Easter, everyone was awarded chocolate! Brilliant photographs by Gill Pearson are available to download, a great record, thank-you, Gill.
Prize Winners
1st Place: Shaun Wyeth and Graham Wyeth
2nd Place: Peter Fothergill and Paul Edwards
3rd Place: Chris Harris
4th Place: Lewis Wyeth and Russell Wyeth
Junior: Oliver Stollery
Veteran: Derek Priestley
ARGE Eric Meighen (The All Round Good Egg Award)
Final Results
c/b = count back
Place | Total Points | Skipper & Mate | Club | Designer | Design | Name |
1st
| 61 | Shaun Wyeth & Graham Wyeth | Gosport | Dave Hollom | Road Runner | Taz |
2nd
| 51 | Peter Fothergill & Paul Edwards | Gosport | Mike Dann | Diversion | HHot |
3rd c/b | 51 | Chris Harris & Charlie Harris | Windrush | Martin Dovey | Dark Matter | Dark Matter |
4th | 45 | Lewis Wyeth & Russell Wyeth | Gosport | Dave Hollom | Road Runner | Road Runner |
5th | 44 | Dave Geldard & Amber Geldard | Leeds and Bradford | Alex Austin | Taxashun | Three Foot |
6th c/b | 41 | Oliver Stollery & Roger Stollery | Guildford | Alex Austin | Xasperachun | Xasperachun |
7th | 41 | Derek Priestley &Lisa Priestley | Fleetwood | Mike Dann | Diversion | Blue Bullet |
8th | 38 | Peter Hopkins & Dave Nickson | Bournville | John Fisher | Max | Max |
9th | 37 | Peter Stollery & Nathan Stollery | Guildford | Peter Stollery | Micky Mouse | Micky Mouse |
10th
| 31 | Max Buttimer | Gosport | Mike Dann | Diversion | Black Pig |
11th
| 29 | Andrea Roberts | Birkenhead | Alex Austin | Deduction | Blue |
12th | 28 | David Mathers & Susanne Lewis | Gosport | Mike Dann | Gecko | Geckaroo |
13th | 27 | Mark Dicks & Sam Dicks | Clapham | Chris Dicks | Realistic | Black Jake |
14th | 26 | Susanne Lewis & David Mathers | Gosport | Martin Dovey | Sebora | Taube |
15th c/b | 25 | Thomas Wyeth & Sam Roberts | Gosport Birkenhead | Dave Hollom | Road Runner | Nemo |
16th | 25 | Shaun Priestley & Tom Priestley | Fleetwood | Mark Dicks | Nerenuf |