RA Nationals at Fleetwood MYPBC 1-2/8/2026

Olly Murray (A Class Captain) had been wheeling and dealing yachts by buying or loaning, to ensure a good solid entry for the Radio A Nationals and to his credit this produced an excellent entry of 28 boats.

However, many recruits were battered, bruised, fatigued and tired from racing or supporting the Vane A week which finished on the Friday,… along with the aftermath of a fair few beers drunk during the week.

This immediately limited a number of hot shots from competing at the top end.  The wind on Saturday morning was perfect. Blowing straight down the lake like it had been for the Vane A fleet at a good 10 knots gusting 13, Fleetwood and racing at its best to start the event.

The problem for many was that a number of the borrowed yachts (and those that hadn’t been borrowed)  hadn’t seen that sort of weather (possibly ever) and therefore issues quickly arose as racing started.  Two of the big hitters Chris Harris and Darin Ballington were both hit with early problems due to leaks and radio/electric issues. Early promise from other skippers such as Mark Rose, Derek Priestley, David Lindsay  and Ben Harker quickly faded as winches began misbehaving in the heavy conditions leading to withdrawals or temporary suspension from sailing.  Although starting in 3 heats, this was reduced to two after 3 races and boats either withdrew or didn’t even start.

Saturday was dominated by Graham Bantock and his Sword, cutting through the wind and waves to take 5 wins out of the 7 races completed.  Robbie McIntosh (using Rob Walsh’s Lightning) also had a great showing on the Saturday steaming to windward and placed second after 7 races, with a minor electrical problem at the end of the day.  Saturday unfortunately saw a number of competitors withdraw as Vane A fatigue hit.

Sunday was a very different story with much lighter winds. Class Captain Olly sailing well to take two wins on his way to a podium finish in third.  Graham once again sailed consistently to consolidate his position at the front and he was grateful for the lighter winds as 9 days of A boat sailing in a blow was impacting even the best!  Peter Wiles enjoyed the conditions on Sunday and came through the fleet to take second overall.  Meanwhile Robbie’s title hopes faded, although he still recorded a respectable 4th overall on his first outing out (missing out on a podium place by a single point)

Other strong showing included Simon Fairman taking 6th with a borrowed Sweet and so picking up a prize for the highest placed Classic boat.  Great sailing conditions  for most of the event and thanks go to “Team Baldwin”, Bob Jolly and Peter Iles for running this event and the other Fleetwood club members who signed off on a very successful 9 days of A boat racing.

Photos and videos are in the Fleetwood Facebook group.  Should any competitors have any feedback after the event, then Olly as Class Captain is happy to hear your suggestions.