National 18 Inlands 2023

Published 01:00 on 4 Sep 2023

Report by Alastair Banks

The forecast for the National 18 Inland Championship was for light winds and it turned out to be the case. A couple of visitors dropped out for this reason which was understandable. It meant it was just home boats left to compete for both the Eighteen Cup and Madison Cup. The Eighteen Cup is awarded based on handicap and the Maddison Cup awarded based on first over the line.

The helms and crews of Optimus Prime, Genevieve and Antedote arrived to face little wind which increased just about enough to run a few races. Despite the less than ideal prospect of drifting, all three boats got afloat.

The OODs of the day, Joe McLaughlin and John Redding set a dog-leg course as the whatever there was of the wind, appeared to be coming from the east. Race 1 got off to a clean start with Optimus Prime taking an early lead and holding onto until the finish. While Optimus Prime took line honours on the water, Genevieve remained close enough behind to take the race on handicap.

Races 2 and 3 saw a similar pattern to Race 1, with Optimus Prime leading, followed by Genevieve and Antedote bringing up the rear. Optimus Prime's lead was such that she overcame Genevieve's handicap to take two firsts for both trophies

With two firsts and a second, Matt PJ and Alexey Anatskiy took home not only the Eighteen Cup but also the Maddison Cup too.

Many thanks to OODs of the day, Joe McLaughlin and John Redding assisted by Sean Roberts. Thanks also to Peter and Richard Mason who were on Bosun duty. The catering team did an excellent job of keeping the sailors fed and watered on a very warm day!

Results

Photos by Carolyne Vines

Last updated 22:17 on 27 April 2025