Europe class UK National Championships 2024 at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 2

After a breezy first day, the fleet was greeted by wall-to-wall sunshine with a 15 - 20 knot northerly breeze still blowing ahead of the second day of racing for the 2024 UK Europe National Championships!

As the fleet reached the race course, it became apparent that the wind was only marginally less than the previous day, with gusts still reaching 25 knots. A 20 degree shift right compared to Day 1 added an extra challenge for the sailors, with a super shifty top third of the course under Eastoke Beach. The fleet got away promptly for Race 4, with Klaus of Denmark taking the win, closely followed by the Synergy pair of Tom 'Mozzy' Morris and Ross Harvey.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 2 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

Klaus pulled his way back through the fleet in Race 5, just passing Alex Scoles to take a second bullet. In Race 6, Mozzy took an early lead, mastering the shifty conditions, closely followed by Klaus and Ross. The race came down to a near-photo finish, with Mozzy just taking the win - his first in the class and the first for a British-built Synergy Marine boat.

Standout performers of the day were Klaus and Mozzy, who scored only Top 3 results, although points remain tight at the top with Alex Scoles just behind. Special mention goes to young British sailor, Adam Catlow, whose inland sailing experience proved invaluable to see him rounding several windward marks at the front of the fleet and putting together a string of Top 10 results. Huge work by all sailors, who battled a second day of big breeze and short chop, with a few capsizes interspersed by great sailing for everyone.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 2 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

In the Female category, Lucy Boreham leads after a consistent day, with Mandy Horton and Sue Ogg both looking to climb the results with a lighter forecast for Day 3. The sailors are expecting 8 - 12kts Northerly breeze for the final 3 races, with hope of some respite for their tired legs, although plenty more shifty racing is anticipated.

After another great day on the water, the sailors enjoyed an evening meal at Hayling Island SC, accompanied by French wine courtesy of our cross-channel visitors, and an informative talk with Tom Morris - exploring his new-found enjoyment of the Europe class as well as his journey to sailing fame through his YouTube channel.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 2 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

It's great to see a wide range of equipment manufacturers performing well, with the current Top 3 split between Winner, Synergy Marine and Idol Composite hulls. There is also a huge variety in sail manufacturers, all performing well throughout the fleet, including UK, HD, Green, North, Sailtech, and P&B to name a few. The past two day's racing have highlighted everything that's so great about this class - with a sailor age range of 65+ years and 40 year old boats competing with boats straight out of the mould!

Results after Day 2: