2025 A Class Nationals – Report and Results

Radio A Class National Championship East Kent RYC Isle of Sheppey 14/15th June

A small but dedicated fleet of Radio A class sailors gathered on the Isle of Sheppey to test their A class boats in the open waters of Barton’s Point. This was a massive change from normal pond racing more familiar to the class and the sailors who made the trip, from the far north (Lancashire) and the far west ( Devon) were not disappointed, if a bit surprised by the conditions.

Saturday saw a strong southerly wind heavy top/2nd suit of sails, blowing down the length of the lake giving a long 200 mtrs plus windward/leeward course of 2 complete laps, (almost 1000 metres sailed) but as the boats are quite fast each race was over in about 10 mins. 17 races were completed on Sat, but just about every boat had some gear failure in the strong building breeze, some were terminal & some were back on Sunday.

After racing the sailors gathered at various eateries for the evening to repair/recover from the long days exercise.

Back on Sunday the fleet gathered at 08.30 for a 9.30 start. The wind was the same direction but lighter, only mid top suit. Through the day the wind shifted about but the course was similar to sat and 15 races were sailed giving a total of 32 and 5 discards.

It was suffice to say GB (95) was in a class of his own scoring only 1st places in all his counting races, leaving the rest of us to fight for the scraps!!

Barton’s point is a great place to sail & it was good to allow our boats to “stretch their legs” so to speak. I’m just sad that although there were many boats within a 2 hour drive (our drive was 6.5 hours) very few came.

I look forward to returning to East Kent RYC for the DF95 Nationals end of Sept, staying in the Abbey Hotel and enjoying another curry at the White House restaurant!
See some of you there.

Dereck Priestly