2000 Blaze National Championships

The following is a report of the 2000 Blaze National Championships Held at Mengeham Sailing Club, July 15th/16th.

In the picturesque setting of Chichester Harbour the Blaze National Championships sponsored by Sailsail.com were successfully run, for a second time, by the race team at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club. Despite an unfriendly North Westerly wind, there was a calm sea, with no more than a force 3, for most of the weekend. Many sailing clubs were represented mostly from the South of England although one intrepid helm made the journey from Sutton-in-Ashfield S.C.

Three races were held on Saturday and three on Sunday, with the latter providing an opportunity for the light wind sailors to prevail, however to the surprise of the heavy weather helm, Chris Coleman, his results on Sunday were enough to squeeze Mike Lyons into second place (by a margin of 1 point!) and clinch the championship for the first time.

Andy Skynner from Chichester Yacht Club featured strongly on Saturday with a 1st and two 2nd places but was unable to sustain his form into Sunday as Mike and Chris turned in the best results.

With four boats taking part from Burghfield Sailing Club it was a credit to the helms ability from inland waters to have two boats in the top four and indeed the Race Officer - Nigel Roper - setting excellent courses away from the main tidal flow.

Prize giving was more like Xmas with the many prizes sponsored by 'Surfers against Sewage' including clothing and glassware with a special trophy for Sunday racing being won by Mike Lyons.

Being the 50th Anniversary year of Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club, all competitors were presented with a tableware gift to mark the Blaze 2000 Nationals.

Thanks, in particular, was passed to James Grant of Sailsail.com whose sponsorship enables Championships with smaller fleets taking place so successfully.

Results:

1st Chris Coleman Warsash SC
2nd Mike Lyons Burghfield SC
3rd Andy Skynner Chichester Yacht Club
4th Peter Barlow Burghfield SC
5th Oliver Daniels Sutton in Ashfield SC
6th Robert Macdonald Mengham Rythe Sailing Club