2022 National Championships Report
Photos by Peter Hickson
The 2022 Nationals were hosted by Hayling Island Sailing Club over the Jubilee Weekend of 3-5th June 2022.
Joining the UK fleet were visitors from the Netherlands, Germany and two Australian teams, being the former World Champion Chris Dance (Sandringham YC, NSW). Claire and Simon Medd also from Sandringham put to good use their loaned boat for the event.
The line-up was also bolstered by the return of the 4 times UK Champions Jeremy and Suzanne Hawkins, (Porthpean SC) and guesting competitors Robert Gullan and Jack Holden, (HISC). However, covid still took its toll on the line up with one of the pre-event favourites, David and Fiona Sayce, (HISC) ruled out – the fleet wishes Fiona a speedy recovery.
Day 1: The first day was sunny and light and the fleet headed out into Hayling Bay for 3 scheduled races. On arrival at the start area the wind dropped and swung about … however it soon stabilised and race office Tim Hancock got 3 races in back to back with minimal gaps between the races.
There were 3 different race winners on day one with Rick and Sarah Perkins, (Whitstable Yacht Club) taking race 1, Jeremy and Suzanne Hawkins Race 2 and Rob Gullan and Jack Holden Race 3.
Overall at the end of the first day Rick and Sarah lead from Jeremy and Suzanne and Rob and Jack were third.
Day 2: The wind speed was clear to all competitors when they woke … it was breezy. The forecast was to moderate so the race officer for the day, Zeb Elliott, made a short delay. The plan was to race 3 races in the harbour on a shorter 3 lap course. The breeze was a good solid 20 – 25 knots. The fleet launched with some trepidation but once everyone had got used to the wind strength, some great racing was enjoyed.
Rob and Jack really stretched their legs with 3 bullets, but the score sheet does not show they were chased hard by Jeremy and Suzanne who recorded 3 x 2nd places. Chris Dance was settling in with his new crew for the event Chris Barnes who recorded two thirds, with John Rees and Mari Shepherd (HISC) also enjoying the strong winds recording two fourths.
The weary fleet then gathered for a fleet dinner in the clubhouse and spent the evening exchanging stories and advice. There were even a few Tasar sailors with enough energy to get on the dancefloor!
It was particularly helpful for the UK fleet that the former world champion Chris Dance was so forthcoming with advice and tips to help everyone improve their Tasar sailing.
Day 3: The forecast was light and so it proved after a short AP ashore that the fleet got out to the bay to enjoy the final 2 races in moderate F2-3 winds. With first and second positions pretty much settled the remaining battles were for the final spot on the podium and the middle orders.
Rob and Jack again showed their pace and skill to win both races. In the battle for 3rd Chris Dance and Chris Barnes prevailed over defending champions Rick and Sarah Perkins who took fourth. John and Mari took 5th with German competitors Stephan Heim and Immanuel Schwickert taking sixth.
HISC Commodore Andy Partington concluded the event with a generous Jubilee buffet and prizegiving.
The Tasar sailors would like to extend their thanks to HISC for their hospitality and hope to return in the near future.
1st Overall: Rob Gullan and Jack Holden
1st Masters & Couples Trophy: Jeremy & Suzanne Hawkins
1st Grand Masters: Rod and Mo Porteous
1st Woman Helm: Claire Medd and Simon Medd
1st Youth: Immanuel Schwickert
Full Overall Results can be found here: https://www.tasargbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2022-Tasar-Nationals.html
Full photo gallery: https://haylingisc.smugmug.com/Open-Events/2022/Jubilee-Weekend
