Ben Whaley & Lorna Glen Win the 2024 UK National Title

The final day of the 2024 Noble Marine Marlow Ropes RS200 UK National Championships was forecast to be more Northerly in direction, allowing a slightly different race course. In the boat park the discussions were all based on if we should go up a hole on the shrouds for more power. This kept changing as gusts rolled in whilst the fleet prepared. Once out on the water, it was clear the breeze would be changeable throughout the races and with 3 planned, places could be gained or lost.

In race seven, Rob Henderson and Alex Warren came in from the left and extended the first run for their first win of the week. Tim and Abbey Hire were in second with pathfinders Matt Findlay and Toby Lewis in third. Hamish and Emma came through on the run to take second

Pathfinders Oli Evans and Zoe Nieveen went right up the first beat of race eight to lead around the windward mark and escape the pack. Matt Currell and George Bender rounded second, with Joe and Clara Jones in third. Down the first run there were lots of opportunities for gains with the fleet soaking down. At the bottom mark, Oli and Zoe had established their lead which they held to the finish. Will Taylor and Faye Caswell sailed a blinder into second whilst Joe and Clara held 3rd. Then up the second beat, the leading five boats extended with shifts oscillating giving both sides a chance. Ed and Tom Whitehead climbed up to second with Matt and George in third. Then down the final run, Will and Faye snuck into third with Ed and Tom in second.

Going into the final race Ed and Tom were winning with 1 point advantage over Ben and Lorna. There was a delay in the start of the final race as the course was reset when the breeze flicked to the SW. The wind stayed shifty which Alex Smallwood and Callum Farnden took advantage of. They came in to lead from the left and extended to win. Alice Davis and Flynn Davies were second round the windward mark with Brendan and Ellen in third. Down the first run, Ben and Lorna came through to second with Rory and Henry third. At this point, the breeze had shifted to the right leaving a one-sided beat to the final windward mark allowing Jamie Harris and Ellen Main to climb to second with Ben and Lorna in third. By the finish, Ben and Lorna had managed to overhaul Jamie and Ellen to take second and secure the 2024 National Championship.

At this point, I would also like to say my thanks to the committee and fleet it has been a pleasure to be Chairman for nearly 4 years, during which we have hosted some of the largest Nationals in the country at Exe, Hayling, East Lothian and Mounts Bay. Great to see everyone having such a good time and see you on the water as I will be still be sailing next year at Abersoch. 

Results are still provisional as we had a few scoring inconsistencies but the winners of the trophies were:

1^st Overall – Ben Whaley & Lorna Glen

1^st Female Crew – Lorna Glen

1^st Youth Crew – Lorna Glen

1^St Master – Ed Whitehead

1^st Junior Crew – Thomas Whitehead

1^st We Are Family – Ed & Thomas Whitehead

1^st Loving Cup – Brendan Lynch & Ellen Clark

1^st Youth Helm - Henry Hallam

1^st Youth Boat – Henry Hallam & Ashley Hill

1^st Sibling Boat – James & Jess Hammett

1^st Junior Helm -Joe Jones

1^st Junior Boat – Imogen Wade & Hugo Valentine

1^st Silver – MJ Gifford & Rory Gifford

1^st Bronze – Mark & Ollie Jenkins Jauma

1^st Grand Master – Michael Waricker

1^st Female Team – Hannah Bristow & Bettine Harris

1^st Female Helm – Anna Sturrock

Buddy Prize – Callum Bell & Emilia Russell/Adam Catlow & Toby Dutson/Mark & Ollie Jenkins Jauma

Top University – Southampton

Top Club – Hayling Island Sailing Club

Jon Lewis Trophy – Freddie & Laurie Callaghan

Fernhurst Books Endeavour Prize – Mostyn Evans & Kit Simmonds

Report by Will Taylor

Photos thanks to Lee Whitehead