Graduate Nationals at Bala Sailing Club - Overall

Graduate nationals at Bala © Graduate class

Graduate nationals at Bala © Graduate class

The forecast was for gusts of 30 knots for the last race of the Graduate National Championships at Bala Sailing Club in North Wales.

The new name for Bala - Garda of the North - was more apt than you might think. The wind was from the South West so the lake looked full of white horses as the sailors drove across the bridge to the club on the North East Shore.

The Race Officer was very considerate and set a course with no gybes in. The crews appreciated this because a displacement boat like a Graduate can be quite challenging and this tempted many more teams on the water.

As the sailors took to the water, the wind swung to the South making the first beat predominantly port favoured and much more gusty now the wind was off shore.

Steve and Harry were able to pull through from their worst start of the series to lead at the top mark. Chris Parker, with a replacement heavy weight crew, was also on the pace together with Chris and Amanda Carlisle. Other crews were finding it tricky controlling the severe gusts with both jib and main - and many found it an ideal time to retire for a quick get away.

The final result of Race 6 saw Steve and Harry cross the line first, Chris Parker Second, Chris and Amanda third.

The Buddy Team winners were those who made the biggest position gains overall after the first day and this was won by Andy and Sue Flitcroft with Chris and Amanda Carlisle.

The Team Trophy was won by Bolton who in the strong winds of the last race had turned round the 3 points deficit. Perhaps the Northern Lads prefer the big winds than the Southerners.

The Junior Trophy went to Katie Ross, first newcomer went to Chris and Amanda Carlisle, but probably the best trophy went to Alistar and Hamilton Roaf who, in finishing every race but having the largest points score, take home the coveted Ruislip Paddle.

The St Tudwells Trophy for over 55 helms was won by Bob Murrell. The Ladies Trophy was won by Ann Bottoms and Stewart Bottoms. The Half Way Up Trophy was won by Chris and Amanda Carlisle and 1st Capsize was won by Johnathan and Barbara Berg.

The Graduate fleet have numerous trophies for each race winner, first overall, second overall and firsts with no discards. An impressive array of silverware for a relatively small fleet, but it's a small fleet with a good heart and very welcoming to new members who would find sailing with their family members both fun and challenging for all.

For more stuff chat and current information - why not like the Graduate Sailing Dinghy Fan Club on Facebook?

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Graduate nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here