420 British National Championships at Dale Yacht Club: A Premier Sailing Event
420 British National Championship at Dale Yacht Club – Update
23-26 August 2024
Forty-one boats have made the epic journey to the most south-westerly part of Wales, Dale Yacht Club, a hidden gem with a fantastic race area directly onto the Atlantic for the 420 National Championships.
There has been plenty of excitement in the first six races, and with strong winds of 35 knots forecasted, Sunday serves as a much-appreciated rest day. Most of the fleet took advantage of the practice day on Thursday, honing their starting technique and first-beat tactics while familiarizing themselves with the new sailing waters.
Friday presented complex but rewarding conditions. The strong winds and significant gusts, coupled with challenging tides, tested the competitors. Arwen Fflur and Matthew Rayner clinched wins in races one and three, while Will Fletcher and Oscar Cawthorne triumphed in race two. This performance placed Fflur and Rayner in the gold bibs overnight, with Fletcher and Cawthorne in silver and Joe Jones and Hennie Burlton wearing bronze. Harry George and Ralph Cawthorne faced a disqualification in race three after strong performances in the earlier races, but the competitors’ predictions held true.
Leading the women’s teams, Sabine Potter and Merle Nieuwland demonstrated mastery of the breezy conditions, pursued closely by the temporary partnership of Ellie Creighton and Charlotte Beardsall.
The day concluded with a beach BBQ, where most sailors realized they hadn’t applied enough sun cream. The daily prize-giving honored race winners, awarded a Rooster buoyancy aid to tally winner James Alexander, and distributed North Sails caps to the top buddy team, the Mackerels.
On Saturday, three more races were scheduled with an earlier start time at 10:30 am, promising more sunshine and a stronger breeze. The first race of the day was won by Fletcher and Cawthorne, leveling their race victories with Fflur and Rayner. Despite facing a disqualification in race one, Imogen Wade and Hugo Valentine rallied to find their form for races five and six, taking wins in both and making the competition even tighter, with the top four boats now separated by just four points. The bibs shifted to new boats for the final day.
The day wrapped up with the AGM, where a new committee was welcomed, followed by bingo, Greek God-themed attire, and a (not-so) silent disco.
Ahead of the final day, a black-tie dinner and the now-infamous paper plate awards are highly anticipated. Among the young sailors are experienced competitors sharing knowledge to inspire the emerging talent. In a closely contested match, James George sailing with Lauren Mecklenberg, in her first nationals, is competing against Hector Davies crewed by Haydn Sewell. After six races, just one point separates the two in 28th and 29th place, setting the stage for an exciting showdown on the final day.
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.