Squib UK Inland Championship at Rutland Sailing Club

Nigel Grogan and Ben McGrane (not pictured) win the 2024 Squib Inlands at Rutland © Alex Porteous

Dan and Hattie Henderson finish 2nd in the 2024 Squib Inlands at Rutland © Alex Porteous

Team Spoof (Micky Wright and Alexandra Porteous) finish 3rd in the 2024 Squib Inlands at Rutland © Alex Porteous

The Squib Inlands were once again hosted by Rutland Sailing Club over the weekend of the 5th & 6th October. The familiarity within the fleet of one of the UK's premier inland waters meant many of the UK's leading teams were competing amongst the healthy 24 boat turnout.

Saturday dawned with no wind but the expectation this would build and the sun would appear. Thanks to the class largely launching on Friday the format on Saturday allowed for an 11am start and 4 races scheduled.

Racing was held over windward leeward courses beating from near the ferry towards the church. With plenty of space on the line the fleet were able to start cleanly, winds ranged from 12-20 knots with plenty of changes in pressure and shifts making for tight racing with gains found and easily lost in the changeable conditions.

In the first race, current National Champions, Micky Wright & Alexandra Porteous got clear and were never challenged. They were followed home by Dan & Hattie Henderson in their newly purchased boat (proving fast straight out the paint shop!) in 2nd, Malcolm Hutchings & Andy Carly competed the top 3.

As the day progressed the right hand side became more favourable and so starboard end starts and getting right were largely the tactic employed by the majority of the fleet. Races 2, 3 & 4 were won by defending Inland Champions, Nigel Grogan & Ben McGrane. Clearly the lack of time in the boat wasn't holding them back and their new Hyde B3 sails were proving fast in the conditions. Behind them 5 teams all completed podium results and it was becoming a case of consistency would mean a strong overall finish.

With excellent race management, 4 x 45-60min races were quickly completed and the fleet retreated to the sailing club bar before going on to various, pubs and restaurants for dinner and much laughter!

Sunday dawned much the same as Saturday, with little wind but a good forecast if colder. By race time there was 8-12 knots on the course and battle was resumed. Clearly Mike & Alexandra dusted off their hangovers faster than the rest of the Stamford Chinese crowd, after making a slightly shaky start and tacking away they were next seen coming in from the right so far in front their sail numbers were ineligible to the majority of the fleet. Dan & Hattie made the most of having a newborn child, in bed by 8.30 and were clearly on a mission coming home 2nd. Phil Aspinall & Dave Sheppard were also fast out the blocks to complete the podium for race 5.

Race 6 and once again the right hand side of the course, while not a guaranteed fast route, was proving the safer side to aim for. Nigel and Ben seemed to wake up in this race and while only just in the top 10 at the first mark, gradually moved forwards to win and in doing so, claimed 1st overall with a race to spare. Tye Wichard & Keith Gilmore were clearly favouring the lighter breezes to come home 2nd, Dan & Hattie completed the podium.

Going into the final race, there was still a title battle for 2nd overall. Dan & Hattie started brilliantly at the starboard end to get the jump on the fleet and from there controlled race 7 and with it took 2nd overall. Tom Jeffcote & Mark Hogan strung together some great tactical calls to move through the fleet for 2nd, Micky and Alexandra finished 3rd to completed the overall podium just a single point behind Dan & Hattie.

The fleet were quick to the shore and with the amazingly skilled tractor driver defying the laws of physics with his trailer manoeuvring, the fleet were quickly packed and away.

A big thank you must go to the team at Rutland, the racing was run impeccably in challenging conditions. Perfect length races and fast turnarounds meant maximum enjoyment and a full 7 race series completed. A fantastic end to the 2024 UK Squib season!

Overall Results: