The British 420 National  Championships were hosted at Restronguet Sailing Club from 23-27 August 2015.

3 races were held on Wednesday in a fine 18-22 knot south westerly breeze in the bay. Moderate waves and gusts gave ideal sailing. Regatta leaders Max Clapp and Ross Banham scored a 1,2,5 to retain the overall leadership. Jo Burns and Matt Shorrock kept the pressure up with 2, 9, 1 scoreline and Neil Marsden and Nick Devereux moved in to second place with a 2,5 10.

The final day dawned with a lovely 14-18 knot south westerly breeze. This was particularly challenging as it followed the black tie competitors dinner the night before, held at the excellent Castaways Restaurant in Mylor Harbour, with disco afterwards at the club.

The first race on Thursday was won by Neil Marsden and Nick Devereux, with Jo Burns and Matt Shorrock coming in 8th to keep their title hopes alive. Max Clapp and Ross Banham scored a black flag, their second of the series, leaving them vulnerable to another poor result.

Sensing opportunity for snatching victory, Neil Marsden set about match racing Clapp/Banham out of the next start – then he could take care of Burns/Shorrock in the final race.

The two boats were seen locked in mortal combat in the preparatory time, but Clapp/Banham managed to escape and make a good start, going on to score second in the race.

Meanwhile Martin Wrigley and Marcus Tressler had been quietly knocking in good results, including a win in this penultimate race. Burns and Shorrock finished 27th effectively putting paid to their chances of winning, but leaving them with an outside chance of runner up slot.

With the match race opportunity effectively over, the final race was won convincingly by Clapp/Banham giving them the overall trophy as well as the U17 title. Marsden/Devereux finished 7th to give them second overall, and Wrigley/Tressler 8th to give them third overall. The top four was completed by Burns/Shorrock.

Jenny Cropley and Emma Baker had meanwhile been putting together a very strong finish to end up 5th overall and first female team. Jo Kalderon and Midge Watkins also revelled in the mainly strong conditions to finish runner up female team in 10th overall. The mixed pairs prize was won by Tim Riley and Mari Davies who finished in 6th overall, and the top non-420 Squad boat was newcomers Tom Collyer and Aaron Chadwick. The Masters prize was won by Jeremy Stephens and Marshall King.

Ross Banham, on behalf of the sailors, thanked Restronguet Sailing Club for running an excellent series and Stuart Childerley for leading an excellent race management team.

As an RYA Youth Pathway class, the 420 Class offers excellent racing, training and a fun, vibrant and sociable environment.

For more information on how to go 420 sailing see gbr420.uk with contacts for Committee members.

Source: Marshall King