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

Day 3 of the Allen Synergy Europe Nationals dawned with sunshine and little wind. A bit of a head scratcher for the race team. The fleet launched to have for the first time a gentle downwind to the start.

The top spots across all categories were tight, with all to play for. Could Tom make his new boat go a quickly in the light airs? Could Klaus & Alex show that you don't have to be 5 foot and 50kg to make a Europe go quickly in 5-6 knots, Could Adam continue his good form from Saturday to maintain the lead in the Youth category and would Mandy & Sue chase down Lucy for the women's title?

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 3 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

Race 7 eventually got under way after 2 aborted start caused by big wind shifts in the last minute. On the 3rd (or was it 4th?) attempt the race went in a gentle 5-6 knots with most sailors perching on the sidedecks, Jeremy Hartley mastered the light winds taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout the race, Ross Harvey taking 2nd with Klaus in 3rd and Alex in 4th.

Race 8 again got away in similar conditions, however the sea breeze decided to make an entrance, with half the fleet almost running downwind to the windward mark, a swift decision to abandon the race was made and the committee boat pulled up anchor and switched the course around.

The re-run in approx 10 knots had a couple of recalls, one under the black flag saw 8 boats eliminated from the next start.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 3 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

Klaus once again showed the fleet the way, with Jason Belben chasing hard for 2nd and Tom rapidly working out how to make a Europe go quickly in the lighter breeze taking 3rd.

The sea breeze had settled in for the final race, with Tom taking the win and the UK National title, Jason in 2nd and Ross in 3rd. Klaus having a rare poor race, but showed the fleet his downwind pumping skills (O flag was flying by this time) to work through to 4th and Sue Ogg taking 5th.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 3 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

The racing done, the fleet sailed back in glorious sunshine with big smiles all round.

Plenty of trophies and prizes were awarded at the prize-giving with the following winners:

Youth - Adam Carlow
Master - Alex Scoles
Grand Master - Jason Belben
Great Grand Master - Jeremy Hartley
Legend - Daniel Devos
Women's - Lucy Boreham
Men's - Tom Morris
Open Champion - Klaus Ronn Madsen
UK National Champion- Tom Morris

A fantastic event at HISC, the Europe is an extremely versatile boat, with sailors of all weight, height and experience competing in a friendly and inclusive fleet in the UK which continues to see new sailors joining the fleet.

Europe UK Nationals at Hayling Island Day 3 - photo © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

A huge thank you to Robert Deaves for the fantastic photos, Hayling Island Sailing club for hosting a marvellous event and Allen and Synergy for sponsoring the event.

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