Banbury Sailing Club 

Hobie 405 National Championships
4/5th October 2008

Entries: 8 youth teams
Venue: Northampton SC

Eight youth teams made the trip to Northampton SC for the Hobie 405 Nationals on 4/5th October. Day 1 saw the forecast 20 knots comfortably exceeded and Race 1 started in very gusty conditions, by the end of the first beat the number of boats upright were in the minority. Sarah and Helen Burgess quickly established a commanding lead demonstrating excellent boat handling with some blistering reaches down wind chased by Patrick Ford and Anastasia Logan. In worsening conditions only three boats finished with Team Burgess taking the win before racing was cancelled for the rest of the day. After the obligatory 405 evening pub meal, (parents opposite end of the table from the 405’ers!) Sunday dawned just as windy which set the fleet up for a day of spectacular three sail reaches, entertaining capsizes and frequent swimming. Race 2 started in 20-25kts and after taking the lead by the end of the first beat Team Burgess notched a second win with Ford/Logan in second and Stuart Harris and Henry Maynard in third. In Race 3 Will Alloway and Glen Burrows gained fame by capsizing in the midst of the fleet at the start and threats of protests ensued while Burgess extended their lead with another win. Races 4 and 5 saw Team Burgess seal their victory, Ford/Logan sailing a strong series for second and third place hotly contested between Alloway/Burrows, Harris/Maynard, Lizzie Hubbard and Aimee Coghill and Sully Illing and Hannah Livingstone.

The championship win for Sarah and Helen Burgess was well deserved and a fitting finale to their 405 sailing as they graduate to the 29er.

Thanks must go to Northampton SC for their hospitality and the rescue crews who were kept fully occupied.

Ian Castle, Commodore of NSC presented the prizes which was followed by a special presentation to Chris Wright to celebrate his tremendous input and coaching for the class as President for 10 years.

Overall Results