ULLSWATER HOSTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS An entry of 58 Miracle Dinghies travelled to Ullswater Yacht Club to take part in the National Championships, which took place from 2nd to 7th August. Grey skies and pouring rain greeted early arrivals. There were many glum faces as competitors saw that club grounds were flooded and the BBQ area was under 2ft of water. However by mid afternoon, skies had cleared and sailors and their families busied themselves getting boats ready for the first race on Sunday afternoon. Sunday's race took place in bright conditions, with a good breeze. The race was won by Eamon and Lauren Cuthbert from Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club, with Sam Mettam and Geoff Phillips from Hayling Island Yacht Club taking second place. Monday was again bright and breezy. The race was won by Sam Mettam and his crew but they had been disqualified under the black flag rule. Martyn Lewis from Draycote Sailing Club was declared the winner. On Tuesday grey skies, rain and blustery conditions met the crews. Some helms struggled in the strong gusts and there were several capsizes. Sam Mettam and his crew were first over the line followed by Martyn and Rebecca Lewis. In the second race of the day the positions were reversed with Martyn taking first place, closely followed by Sam Mettam. Wednesday and Thursday's racing took place in warm, sunny conditions with a good breeze. Competition was fierce during the four races sailed, with Sam Mettam winning two races and Martyn Lewis winning the third race and coming second in the previous races. Only two points separated Sam and his rival Martyn Lewis and the final race on Friday was eagerly anticipated. Unfortunately conditions for racing were disappointing with hot sun but no wind. The Race Officer for the event, Neil Thompson , had a difficult decision with several postponements having to be made. Unfortunately by mid afternoon there was still no wind over the lake and the final race was abandoned. The Miracle Association declared that this years Nationals were the best they had attended and they all said they hoped to return to Ullswater YC again soon. 1st Sam Mettam and Geoff Phillips from Hayling Island Yacht Club - 11 points 2nd Martyn and Rebecca Lewis from Draycote Sailing Club - 13 points 3rd Paul and Caitlin Hewitt from Draycote Sailing Club - 23 points Sam Mettam and crew Geoff Phillips in winning boat Sam (second from left) and Geoff with Commodore Roy Hulse and his wife Pam |
