Hadron H2 National Championship 2023 at Brixham Yacht Club: A Premier Sailing Event
Hadron H2 National Championship at Brixham Yacht Club – Day 1
6-8 September 2024
Most competitors unpacked their boats in torrential rain on the day before the event, with the forecast predicting more of the same. Surprisingly, Friday, September 6th, turned out to be dry with some sunshine.
The hosts for the event, Brixham Yacht Club, efficiently managed the launch of 27 H2s along with a similar number of K1s into the water. The racing commenced in a light northerly breeze, showcasing the skills of 2023 Inland Champion Ian Dawson (Warsash SC), who quickly took a commanding lead, followed closely by 2024 Inland Champion Josh Hamer (Leigh & Lowton SC). Leading the pack was Steve Hendon (Blithfield SC), with the current National Champion Robin Parsons (Deben YC) in fourth and Barry Wolfenden (Bough Beech SC) in fifth.
Race 2 maintained similar conditions and reflected the previous results, with Josh managing to surpass Ian for a fine win, followed by Steve in third. Despite being a newcomer to the H2, Steve is showcasing impressive speed in all conditions, even at the heavier end of the H2 spectrum. Barry finished in fourth place, ahead of Robin.
The H2 is designed to excel in planing conditions, making it challenging to maneuver through chop in light winds. Ian and Josh have mastered this skill, and others are quickly learning from their techniques. With more light weather expected over the next two days, all competitors will have ample opportunity to practice and perfect their performances.
Results after Day 1:
| Pos | Bow No | Sail No | Boat Name | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 35 | 152 | A Whiter Shade of Pale | Ian Dawson | Warsash SC | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 2nd | 51 | 159 | Dirty Martini | Josh Hamer | Leigh and Lowton SC | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 3rd | 38 | 166 | H2 | Steve Hendon | Blithfield SC | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 4th | 37 | 142 | H2 | Barry Wolfenden | Bough Beach SC | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 5th | 33 | 135 | Scaramouche | Robin Parsons | Deben YC | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| 6th | 53 | 177 | Hadron H2 | Chris Brown | Mill Creek SC | 9 | 6 | 15 |
| 7th | 48 | 122 | H2 | Ian Brooks | Chichester YC | 8 | 7 | 15 |
| 8th | 36 | 129 | H2 | Tim Garvin | Queen Mary SC | 6 | 10 | 16 |
| 9th | 44 | 145 | 145 | Richard Leftley | Bowmoor SC | 7 | 11 | 18 |
| 10th | 47 | 188 | A Few Shades of Grey | Robert Coyle | Royal Corinthian YC | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| 11th | 39 | 150 | H2 | Stephen Oliver | Warsash SC | 15 | 9 | 24 |
| 12th | 55 | 148 | Raspberry Ripple | Dave Barker | Draycotewater SC | 11 | 13 | 24 |
| 13th | 56 | 120 | Dave’s Boat | Thomas Owen Moore | Stokes Bay SC | 13 | 14 | 27 |
| 14th | 49 | 184 | Lucky for some | Michael Alexander | Rutland SC | 12 | 16 | 28 |
| 15th | 31 | 172 | Sneaky | Simon Hipkin | Walton & Frinton YC | 14 | 15 | 29 |
| 16th | 52 | 156 | Alice | Richard Le Mare | Warsash SC | 18 | 12 | 30 |
| 17th | 41 | 146 | Hadron H2 | Andrew McGaw | Graham Water SC | 17 | 17 | 34 |
| 18th | 45 | 171 | Thunderthrust | James Oxley | Walton & Frinton YC | 16 | 19 | 35 |
| 19th | 30 | 103 | Ghost Ship | Geoff Parker | Walton & Frinton YC | 19 | 18 | 37 |
| 20th | 32 | 162 | Here’s Tae Us! | Nick Wapshot | RSWSC | 20 | 20 | 40 |
| 21st | 43 | 105 | Venturer | Domonic Jacobs | Walton & Frinton YC | 21 | 22 | 43 |
| 22nd | 46 | 181 | Death and Gravity | Tim Brooke | Walton & Frinton YC | 22 | 24 | 46 |
| 23rd | 50 | 169 | Hadron H2 | Alasdair Hood | Royal Tay YC | 23 | 23 | 46 |
| 24th | 54 | 117 | Rhino | Paul Tuttle | Brixham YC | 26 | 21 | 47 |
| 25th | 34 | 102 | TPO | Ian Little | Thorpe Bay YC | 24 | 25 | 49 |
| 26th | 40 | 190 | H2 | William McTurk | Royal Findhom YC | 25 | 27 | 52 |
| 27th | 42 | 113 | 113 | Neil Smythe | Paignton SC | 27 | 26 | 53 |
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.