Complete List of News Items

Claire & Jas win Gold. Tim & Claire win the Silver Fleet 
European Championships: Provisional Results just published
NB Ladies did 12 races and Open fleet did 11 + Qualifiers. Results just updated on Event Website (follow link) include the final Ladies' race. Everyone very busy here packing up and some celebrating! Remember these results are provisional and "subject to protest".

[In my day there were only two words for it: woop! woop! No doubt you will get a fuller story soon, but everyone seems to be packing up at the moment!]

420 Europeans - Wednesday (British lead two fleets) 
The sun was shining on the British today. during today's 3 races.(2 for the ladies) (2nd discard has been applied).

In the ladies fleet Claire/Jasmine take the lead by one point having scored two bullets.

Other GBR
16th Imogen/Kate (27/8)
34th Kate/Sarah (29/9)
40th Nerissa/Poppy (48/34)
41st Alice/Jane (39/37)
45th Rebecca/Rosie (42/44)
46th Georgie/Milli (33/27)

In the Silver Fleet, Tim and Claire move to first from third having scored (4/6/2). Peter and Gareth are in 25th (21/24/22).

In the Gold Fleet, Ben and James break into the top 10 (13/4/10) one place ahead of Jame and Will in 11th (4/6/14).
Other GBR
15th Tom/Sam (7/10/7)
16th Jonny/Ben (16/7/24)
22nd Peter/David (18/16/13)

420 Europeans - Tuesday 
3 races were sailed in the Open Fleet. One discard has now been applied which allowed a number of sailors respite from their "disaster" race.

Open Fleet - GOLD

11th Ben/James (6,22,12)
18th Jonny/Ben (14,4,11)
19th Peter/David (26,21,16)
21st Tom/Sam (23/26/7)
24th James/Will (30/31/10)

Open Fleet - SILVER

3rd Tim/Claire (20/8/2)
19th Peter/Gareth (5/15/19)

Two races were sailed in the Ladies Fleet

Ladies

6th Claire/Jasmine (12/11)
23rd Imogen/Kate (33/2)
36th Nerissa/Poppy (39/45)
41st Kate/Sarah (24/43)
42nd Alice/Jane (BFD/1)
43rd Rebecca/Rosie (30/40)
51st Georgie/Milli (44/48)

Ireland provides perfect training for 420 Nationals 
With so many 420s on international duty in sweltering Turkey, Guy Stephens and his crew went to the Feva Europeans in Ireland were they are lying 2nd after 3 races. James Hamer and Ben Gratten are currently in 6th.

Tuesday morning on the Bosphorus 
No launching yet (11.30am), boats on the shore with a postponement. PRO tells us that there is an easterly on the race area and a northerly here at the Race Office, so she is waiting for the wind to settle down.

Sailors relaxing in the shade! Waiting for wind! photos.

420 Europeans - Monday 
What a difficult day on the water. The fleets launched at 11:30, but were still waiting for the breeze to settle at 1:30. The first race was abandoned. Two races were eventually sailed.

Open Fleet - GOLD
14 Ben Saxton/James Foskett (29,5)
17 James Rusden/Will Rusden (12,24)
18 Peter Irwin/David Kohler (17,20)
22 Tom Gillard/Sam Brearey (27,26)
31 Jonny Moss/Sam Muskett (31,27)

Open Fleet - SILVER
3 Tim Saxton/Claire Lasko (3,17)
28 Peter Gray/Gareth Evans (28,19)

Ladies Fleet
10th Claire Walsh/Jasmine Husband (16,21)
33rd Nerissa Booth/Poppy Husband (43,17)
38th Kate Allam/Sarah Burge (35,BFD)
40th Imogen Stanley/Kate Macgregor (17,BFD)
43rd Alice Brotchie/Jane Turner (42,41)
45th Rebecca Kalderon/Rosie Sibthorp (28,48)
47th Georgie Andrew/Milli Parkin (46,35)

420 Europeans - Friday - Open results 
British boats off to a good start! After 3 races Tom Gillard and Sam Brearey are in 1st place scoring 2, 7, 1). Ben Saxton and James Foskett are in 5th (10, 2, 5) one point ahead of Peter Irwin and David Kohler (6, 2, 10).

Other GBR
11th James and Will Rusden
19th Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko
22nd Jonny Moss and Ben Muskett (who won race 1)
48th Peter Gray and Gareth Evans

Open results

420 Europeans - Friday 27th - Ladies Results 
The Ladies fleet sailed two races in strong winds (17 - 20 knots) and warm (30-34 deg). The wind conditions were quite shifty, but this did not stop Claire Walsh and Jasmine Husband revelling in the conditions. After scoring a 5th and 2nd they lie 2nd overall sandwiched between two German boats who are on 6 and 8 points resp.)

Other GBR
17th Kate Allam and Sarah Burge
21st Nerissa Booth and Poppy Husband
23rd Imogen Stanley and Kate Macgregor
29th Alice Brotchie and Jane Turner
36th Rebecca Kalderon and Rosie Sibthorp
45th Georgie Andrew and Milli Parkin

Ladies Results

Front row for the racing at the Nats and help Olly....please! 
We are looking for volunteers to drive a couple of Hayling Club RIBs at the Nationals. This would be a great opportunity to watch the racing, as well as help with the safety cover. If you have a Powerboat 2 Certificate or are just willing to get wet, please contact Olly Dix: Send Email. We are also looking for a beach master!

420 Europeans - Thursday 26th 
At 15:00 local time the sailors are preparing for the practice race. Our local contact is reporting 20-25 knots, temperature down 10 degress to around 30 deg and some cloud cover. (It now only feels like a warm hair dryer rather than a hot one).

There are a number of photos available for viewing on the event website (link also repeated on British team website).

420 Europeans - Wednesday 25th 
The opening ceremony was held around the pool at the Yacht Club. Today has been another very hot day and unfortunately NO wind making sailing impossible. The weather is due to get cooler by around 10 degrees to a comfortable 30 deg. We are hoping that the wind will pick up for the practice race tomorrow.

420 Open Europeans - Turkey 
Sailors are starting to arrive in Istanbul. A group of 20 arrived at lunchtime. Nice blue skies, 10 knots of wind but VERY HOT (36 degrees in the shade!).

Boats are currently being unpacked and masts put up. More news as it comes in.

Measurement has taken place. The intense heat (just under 40 in the shade) produces its own problems. Boats are too light and steel has expanded. Spinnaker poles now appear too long etc. After rectifications, boats have now passed measurement. (More news on team website - click on link above).

Summer holidays - looking for racing opportunities 
For those of you not globe trotting, Hayling Youth Week, 6th - 10th August, is an ideal opportunity to race at the Nationals venue. Depending on weather conditions racing may take place in the Harbour or Hayling bay. Both helm and crew need to be under 19th on the 31st December 2007 to participate. Clink on link for Notice of Race and Entry Form.

Weguelin, Ainsworth & Ellis medal at ISAFs! 
Sophie Weguelin & Sophie Ainsworth scored a bullet in the final race at the ISAF Youths and took Silver (the winners were also experienced 420 sailors, like many others in the competition) - see Final Results � Women�s double-hander.
James Ellis and Robert Partridge won Bronze! - see Final Results � Men�s double-hander.
Well done our guys! RYA post-event Press Release.

Update on plans for the Nationals 
Plans are now being finalised for the Nationals at HISC � already we have nearly sixty entries � make sure that your entry fee is paid by the end of this week to avoid the �30 late payment supplement.

There is a provisional event timetable on the event website. On the sailing side, features include a crews race on Tuesday evening (probably in the harbour) and a buddy programme to help newcomers learn more about 420s from the more experienced sailors � if the weather is suitable, there�s also a buddy race scheduled for Thursday evening.

There�s a full social programme (see the event website for details), finishing with the legendary �black tie� dinner on Friday evening, with three course meal, band, disco and exclusive use of the fabulous HISC dining room (tickets �30 each available at registration).

The Class AGM will be held at HISC at 2030 on Tuesday 21 August.

NMC Minutes 
The National Management Committee will meet during the Nationals. The minutes of the meeting held on 27 April are attached.

The Sophies up to 2nd and James Ellis up to 3rd at ISAFs 

Safety boats at the GBR 420 Nationals 
We're looking for about three RIBs to supplement the safety fleet at the Nationals at Hayling Island from 19 - 24 August. If you would be prepared to provide a boat, please contact the Class Safety Officer Olly Dix on 07968 218 406 or email him at [email protected]. We would be very grateful for your help, and you will receive a contribution to running costs, free fuel and mooring.

GBR 420 sailors going well at ISAFs in 29ers 
The Sophies are up to 2nd on Day 2 and James & Rob have moved up to 9th, though there are several other well-known 420 sailors contending there too!

Charter hull required for Nationals 
We have had an enquiry from the president of the German 420 Class association about whether we could supply a boat for one of the German Open European team. Their boat is travelling back by container from Turkey to Hamburg and will not arrive in time for our Nationals.

If you can help please contact me of [email protected]

French Nationals - Overall 
3 races were sailed in light conditions in Gold and Silver fleets. Ben Saxton/James Foskett gain bronze after loosing on tie break from Maxime Garbay/Thomas Haddouche (FRA). Guillame Lecointre/Bastian Aumont (FRA) wins the event two points ahead of 2nd and 3rd. James and Will Rusden finished in 4th, 2 points behind Ben and James. Claire Walsh and Jasmine Husband finish as 1st ladies (7th overall). Top twenty finishes were also recorded by Lucy de Boltz/Katherine Kimber, Peter Irwin/David Kohler and Imogen Stanley/Kate Macgregor.

In the Silver fleet, Charlie Makepeace/Sam Muskett finished in first ahead of fellow British sailors Georgie Andrew/Milli Parkin.

The boats travelling to the Europeans and Junior Europeans are being loading this weekend (with some needing emergency repair as sustaining damage last week).

Rusdens, Saxton/Foskett & Walsh/Husband all move up 
Three races today (Thursday) at Les Sables d'Olonne. Lecointre & Aumont retain the lead on 13 points, but James and Will are up to 2nd (20 pts) and Ben & James to 3rd (21). Claire & Jasmine now lead the women in 6th place (38 pts). Peter Irwin & David Kohler are up to 10th and Imogen Stanley & Kate Macgregor are 15th .

James & Will Rusden lead GBR challenge at FRA Nationals 
Following receipt of the integrated results from the two groups to Race 4 (attached), we have:
1 Guillaume Lecointre & Bastien Aumont (CV St Quentin), 3 points
2 Maxime Garbay & Thomas Haddouche (YC Maugio Carnon), 6 pts
3 Damien Brenac (YC Antibes) & Juilien Lacaze (SN Bandol), 8 pts
4 James & Will Rusden (GBR), 9 pts
5 Ben Saxton & James Foskett (GBR), 12 pts
6 Gabriel Skoczek Bernard & Thibaut Soler,13 pts
7 Perrine Geniteau & Marion Aumont (CV St Quentin), 15 pts
8 Brice Marcq (SN P H) & J�r�mie Mion (Cergy Voile 95), 20 pts
9 Erell Rannou (USAM Voile) & Fanny Lumeau (CN Ile Tud), 20 pts
10 Claire Walsh & Jasmine Husband (GBR), 20 pts

French Nationals - Day 4 
4 races were sailed today in quite light conditions (6 - 10 knots). Overall results have now been posted (see link above).

4. James and Will Rusden 9 pts
5. Ben Saxton and James Foskett 12 pts
10. Claire Walsh and Jasmine Husband 20 pts (same as 8th and 9th).
11. Peter Irwin and David Kohler 22 pts

Coupe Nationale: Results after Race 4 
In "Group 1", Saxton & Foskett running 2nd and Walsh & Husband 4th! In "Group 2", James & Will Rusden are running 3rd.

Bulletin from SN Sablais at 16.20 on Monday 
"Today, races are cancelled due to the weather. We plan to start tomorrow morning at 10 for 4 races.
115 competitors are ready for this championship with an international participation: 2 NED, 2 IRL, 1 GER, 20 GBR, 3 BEL".
Challenge Maguet (Team racing) results from Monday attached.

French Nationals - Day 3 
9 o'clock British time - Racing abandoned due to 28 knots and huge waves. Forecast for Wednesday is 15knots from the NorthEast with moderate seas.

Looks like are sailors will manage a holiday after all!

French Nationals - Day 2 
Still having trouble obtaining any official information - our local reporters are now talking directly to the race office. Windy conditions have seen multiple capsizes during the day.

Today saw the team racing (3 boat fleet racing) take place. We understand it is a knockout competition. British off to a good start, but not as organised as the British Team Racing circuit. Gremlins won their first two races 1,2 something. As the wind got up and the waves got bigger, a number of boats pulled out to minimise damage. We wonder whether the winner is the last one standing (upright). One British group of three seems to be staying the course (sailors not known). Hopefully the results will shed some light on this.

French Nationals - Day 1 
After a few complications during registration, such as forgotten membership cards etc, the British boats all managed to enter this year's French Nationals being held at Les Sables d'Olonnes (exact numbers to be confirmed but around 20). The total fleet is in excess of 100. The sailors have reported enjoying the sunny weather and beautiful beach. (click on link above to see venue).

The first day saw a fleet race. Prior to the race, boats could group themselves into groups of three. Based on the results of today's race, the top 16 trios are invited to tomorrow's team racing event (weather forecast is for strong to very strong winds). Team racing here is run allowing trapeezing and the use of spinnakers.

Results will be posted as soon as they are available.

The racing circuit is calling 
The exams are over so now is the time to dust off your 420s prior to the Nationals (have you entered?).

Next week sees a number of British boats travelling to compete at the French nationals at Les Sables d'Olonne. Exact numbers won't be available until we get sight of results or an entry list. (We hope our local correspondents will provide us with updates).

For those of you remaining in the UK, Blackwater Sailing Club have organised a 420 Open meeting. Join the local fleet (quite large by all accounts) for a great weekend. Details are contained on their event website which can be accessed via the calendar.

Flanders Youth Regatta - Overall (British 1-2-3-5-7-8-9) 
This morning saw strong winds and torrential rain in Nieuwpoort. At 10 o'clock local time, the organisers decided not to run any further races. Final results have now been posted.

Last night the protest against the Rusdens was re-opened and their previous DSQ was overturned. Ben Saxton and James Foskett finished on a high scoring a 2nd and 1st to finish on 20 points, now four points behind this year's winners James and Will Rusden on 16 points (discarding their 15th in the last race). Peter Irwin and David Kohler in 3rd on 41 points picking up two unconstomary 16ths on the day. Marcq Brice and Jeremy Mion from France finished in 4th on 46 points. Claire Lasko and Tim Saxton (60pts) overtook Nina Keizer and Anneloes van Veen (65 pts) on the last day to finish 5th and 6th respectively. The British took the next three places with Hamish Stone and Chris Proffitt in 7th on 88 points, Tom Taylor and Joe Williams in 8th also on 88 points and Stephen Tiernan and Jamie Crapnell in 9th on 95 points. Belgian sailors Joeren Belis and Arnaud Blij rounded of the top ten with 112 points.

Other British finishers
13th Jack Yeoman, Matt Rainback
16th Charlie Makepeace, Sam Muskett
17th Jonny Moss, Ben Muskett
18th Josh Rumboll, Tom Davidson
19th Kate Allam, Sarah Burge
21st Mark Lees, Piers Strong
22nd Kate Macgregor, Catherine Schuster-Bruce
24th Jonathon House, Adrian Clay
26th Kathryn Kimber, Claire Dallimore
28th Jamie Knill, Lewis Rumbol
31st James Logan, Konrad Weaver
33rd Tye Wichard, Sarah Chowienczyk
35th Katie Chowienczyk, Taz Wichard

420 sailors lead in Cadets at Flanders 
Well, we seem to have a technical hitch getting results in this morning for the 420 fleet, but our guys in Cadets are sweeping the board! Ann Seabright leads, with Katrina Brewer 2nd, Tom Kinver 4th, Peter Lawrance 5th, Molly Bridge 6th and Josh Pistol 9th. What depth!

Flanders Youth Regatta - Day 3 
Stong winds from the SW F5/6 were the order of the day. As the day worn on, the weather seemed to take a toll on the boats and sailors. It was a good day for the British, with GBR taking top 3 in both races. James and Will Rusden consolidated their lead with a 2nd and a 1st to lead on 11 points. Ben Saxton and James Foskett move into 2nd overall after a 1st and a 3rd (17 pts). Peter Irwin and David Kohler in 3rd on 18 points recording a 3rd and 2nd. After an OCS in race 6, France now in 4th on 24 pts. Dutch girls Nina Keizer and Anneloes van Veen in 5th on 40 points. Claire Lasko and Tim Saxton stay in 6th on 45 points scoring a 5th and 7th. Tom Taylor and Joe Williams in 8th on 54 points ahead of Belgian sailor Joeren Belis and Arnaud Blij. Hamish Stone and Chris Proffitt move into 9th on 70 points. Other British in the chase lie in 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th.

After a hard day on the water, the sailors can enjoy the Flanders Regatta BBQ and Party. (Wonder what that will do for their sailing?)

Protest sees Rusdens DSQ in race 7 but still 1st overall on 14 points. Other positions remain the same with most reducing their score by 1.

Flanders Youth Regatta - Day 2 Summary 
A total of five races have now been sailed. The first discard is due to kick in tomorrow with race 6. James and Will Rusden retain first overall on 12 points scoring a 2,4,4 in the last three races. Frence sailors have moved into 2nd place on 20 points by virtue of the tie break from Peter Irwin and David Kohler (7,1,6). Ben Saxton and James Foskett, last year's winners improved in each race and now are 4th on 25 points (5,3,2). Dutch National Champion Nina Keizer and her crew lie in 5th on 37 points. Claire Lasko and Tim Saxton lie in 6th on 44 points (they seem to like the number 11, 3 11ths and a 5,6). Jonny Moss and Ben Muskett like in 8th on 61 points are look forward to discarding their raf so as to count (4,9,4,8). Stephen Tiernan and James Crapnell in 9th on 68 points and Tom Taylor and Joe Williams round off the top 10 on 73 points.

Flanders Youth Regatta - Day 2 
At 11:20 local time, the wind was 8 knots from the south. Race 2 saw the British continue their domination with James and Will Rusden collecting their second win. Stephen Tiernan and Jamie Crapnell take 2nd to move up to second overall. Ben Saxton/James Foskett 3rd, Peter Irwin/David Kohler 4th and Claire Lasko/Tim Saxton 5th. It appears that over half the fleet were timed out (or some other event of similar catastrophic proportions).

Britain 1,2,3,5,7,8,9 after two races.

At 13:00 the wind has now increased to 14kntos from the southwest (gusting 23 kts).

Flanders results posted 

Flanders Youth Regatta - Day 1 
1 scheduled race was sailed today in 7-8 knots WSW breeze. Unofficial results have James and Will Rusden in 1st, Peter Irwin and David Kohler 2nd, Jonny Moss and Ben Muskett 3rd. Total entry is 35 with 20 British boats taking part. Other countries participating are Australia, Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

Streaker Nationals at Filey 
Congratulations to 420 Euros team sailor Tom Gillard on finishing second overall at the Streaker Nationals held at Filey last weekend. There were 53 entries, and the winner was "Mr Rooster" Steve Cockerill who successfully defended his title, whilst Tom improved from 3rd place overall in 2006.

Blackwater Sailing Club Open 
New on the circuit this year is Blackwater Sailing Club Open on the 14th/15 July. They have a number of 420s at their club and look forward to competition from the many travelling 420s. This event provides an ideal opportunity to attend a final competition prior to the Nationals. For sailors new to the class, this is an ideal opportunity to test your sailing skills in a friendly racing environment.

Kieler Woche - Overall 
This year saw the 420 class increase its entries to 170 showing its continued popularity throughout Europe. It continues being the largest double-handed youth class in Europe.

The weather conditions have been very difficult throughout, and therefore only six races were sailed in total (5 round robin and 1 in Gold/Silver and Bronze fleets).

German sailors Florian Dziesiaty/Oliver Szymanski (22pts) win the event on tie break from Italians Federico Maccari/Rocco Vitali. In third (one point behind) the German ladies Katja Muller/Sandra Boschert.

The four British teams, using this event as training for the Europeans, all finished in the top 15.

6th Ben Saxton / David de Boltz 25pts
9th Claire Lasko/Tim Saxton 33.5 pts
12th Peter Irwin/David Kohler 37.5 pts
15th Imogen Stanley/Kate Magregor 42 pts

Kieler Woche - Day 4 
Last night the Race committee decided that due to the lack of races so far, that medal races will not be held, enabling racing in Gold, Silver and Bronze fleets on the final day of the event.

Race 6 proves troublesome for many (greatful for a good discard). Germany regain lead ahead of Italy in 2nd. (Germans also in 3rd and 4th ahead of last night's leader France). Ben and David finish 7th to lie 6th overall. Claire and Tim still 9th after a discarded 21st. Peter and Irwin retain drop one place to 12th having finished 19th. Imogen and Kate move up one place to 15th discarding their last race having finished mid-fleet and counting a 14th.

Kieler Woche - Day 3 
Only one race was sailed today. Although the 420 fleet launched in good time this morning, the wind died, and after a lengthy wait, they returned to shore. They launched again mid-afternoon and had one start which was abandoned after a 30 deg wind shift. Finally, they managed to sail race 5 which completed the round robin, and enabled the first discard to be applied.

All very tight at the top. France 1st on 11 points and Greece in 2nd on 16points with Germany 3rd on 17 points. 4th - 10th all tied on 18 points.

Claire and Tim finished 2nd to lie 9th overall with Ben and David 10th after finishing 3rd. Peter and David finish in 10th to lie 11th overall 0.5 points behind. Imogen and Kate 16th having finished 14th.

Kieler Woche - Day 2 
09:40 420s launching. Wind forecast is for a F2 / F3. First race scheduled for 10:30. For up-to-date information visit the "Live Center" at the Kiel website.

Fantastic entry of 170 boats. After two races, British make a steady start. France 1&2, Italy 3&4. Peter Irwin in fifth with a 1st and 6th. Imogen Stanley/Kate MacGregor in 10th (6,4); Claire Lasko/Tim Saxton 12th (4,7) and Ben Saxton/David de Boltz 18th (7,10).

After 4 races (and protests etc), all change: Ben Saxton/David de Boltz 6th (7,10,4,4); Imogen Stanley/Kate Macgregor 8th (6,4,4,14), Claire Lasko/Tim Saxton 12th (4,7,5,15.5) and Peter Irwin/David Kohler in 19 (1,5.5,33.5,2).

Host country Germany are currently 1, 2 and 4 with France 3rd and Italy 5th.

Kieler Woche - Day 1 
With the wind having dropped overnight to around 2-3 knots all racing was abandoned for the day at 15:32 local time. We wish our four British teams (Peter Irwin/David Kohler, Claire Lasko/Tim Saxton, Ben Saxton/David de Boltz and Imogen Stanley/kate MacGregor) good sailing on the remaining three days of the regatta.

The above link will take you the "live" information site.

420 Nationals at Hayling Island 
Online entries are now being accepted for this year's National Championship. Don't leave it to the last minute to book your accommodation and to register. We have noticed that the Irish will be there in strength this year. Rumour has it that we may also have some Americans coming.

Kieler Woche and Flanders Youth Regatta 
420 entries back to last year's levels with 154 unique entries as per 2 June. 4 British registered: Ben Saxton/James Foskett; Peter Irwin/David Kohler, Claire Lasko/Tim Saxton and Imogen Stanley/Kate MacGregor.

Flanders youth regatta has 11 British boats entered so far.

A message to all Beboers, Facebookers, Taggers and other 420 turncoats, come back to the Message Board�.for Ian! 
Mr Dobson is feeling bored � after all, all he has to look forward to is Kiel and the Cascais Worlds�.terrible life! Anyway, at least he has not lost the Message Board habit�.unlike the rest of yous! Put him out of his misery, pleas, and tell him you will be at Soton Freshers this year, or wherever/whatever (but he needs funny). Oh, and Memb is friends with you all, but please do not tag me again, Kat�.that makes 9 times � persistent or what!

Lasko & Saxton 2nd at Schools Champs 
Claire and Tim did well at the Schools this weekend, narrowly missing the title on count back. For full news from the NSSA Championships at Oxford SC (Farmoor), see Event Website

GBR 420s on summer tour in Europe 
We're pleased to report that the RYA are providing coach support for GBR 420s at Kiel Week (Mark Plummer), Flanders Week and the French Nationals (Callum MacDonald) and there will also be a support RIB at each of these events.

If you're planning to do the events at Kiel or Flanders please complete the online entry soon so we can see how many GBR boats are planning to attend - the event websites currently show three GBR boats for Kiel and six for Flanders.

Entry for the French Nationals is off-line (that means paper!) so please could you email [email protected] to let me know if you plan to take part in that event.

2007 420 Nationals at Hayling Island SC 
The Notice of Race for the 2007 Nationals at HISC will be published on Friday 25 May. We also have the outline plans (and a budget!) for some social events at the Nationals, but we now need a "Social Committee" of maybe three or four sailors to put together some more detailed plans for the social events.

If you would like to be involved in this planning, please let me know by email at [email protected] .

RYA Junior & Youth Coaches Course 
16 � 20 July, 2007 at WPNSA � see attached

Teams announced for Open, Ladies & Junior 420 Europeans 
We're pleases to announce that the following teams will be representing Great Britain at the Open, Ladies & Junior 420 European Championships this summer:

Open Europeans - Istanbul
Ben Saxton & James Foskett *
Jonny Moss & Ben Muskett *
James Rusden & Will Rusden
Peter Irwin & David Kohler *
Tom Gillard & Sam Brearey *
Tim Saxton & Claire Lasko *
Peter Gray & Gareth Evans

Ladies Europeans - Istanbul
Claire Walsh & Jasmine Husband
Imogen Stanley & Kate Macgregor *
Kate Allam & Sarah Burge *
Rebecca Kalderon and Rosie Sibthorp
Alice Brotchie & Jane Turner
Georgie Andrew & Milli Parkin
Nerissa Booth & Poppy Husband

(asterisk indicates teams also attending the Junior Europeans in Medemblik)

Saxton & Foskett win Poole 
There was no racing on Monday due to strong winds, so after 5 races on Sunday in the Poole Open (and some swimming practice by some), Ben Saxton & James Foskett won the event with 3 bullets and 8 points. James & Will Rusden finished second on 18, Jonny Moss & Ben Muskett on 23 and Tom Gillard & Sam Brearey on 28. On 39 points each were Ben Palmer & James Clark, Claire Walsh & Jasmine Husband and Peter Irwin & David Kohler, in that order on countback.

GBR team plans for Open, Ladies & Junior Europeans 
Provisional plans and budgets for the GBR teams attending the Open, Ladies & Junior European 420 Championships are published on the event pages on this website. A meeting will be held after the prize-giving at Selector 2 at Poole on Monday to provide more information.

Do you have a 420 for sale? 
There have been quite a few enquiries recently from people wanting to buy a secondhand 420, but there are only two advertised on the 420 website. If you have a boat for sale, please put the details onto the 420 website so that we can get more 420s sailing!

Also, we keep getting requests for second-hand bits - like sails, foils etc. . Why not check your sail lofts and boat hangars - there are Club sailors out there who would be interested! See Small Ads.

Crews and helms sought�.for Poole Selector 2 and/or longer-term 
We are hearing of several sailors who are looking for opportunities to sail - in the Poole Open next week, to gain experience in the boat, to share your experience and have some fun this summer, and/or to plan a serious future campaign. Let us know if you think we may be able to help. Send Email with contact info. or be in touch with Chairman or Membership Sec � see Contacts page. Make another sailor happy today!

420 European Selector 1 
The first of two weekends for selecting the GBR teams to represent Great Britain at the upcoming Open European and Junior European Championships was held at Hayling Island Sailing Club on the 28/29 April 2007.

37 boats entered the series competing for 7 ladies crews for the 420 Open Ladies European Championship in Turkey and 7 mixed and all male crews for the 420 Open Europeans. In addition, 7 U19 places are available to the top two mixed/male and top two female crews with a further three youth boats selected from the overall results. This year's 420 Junior Europeans will be held in Medemblick, The Netherlands.

The selection process consists of 6 scheduled race at Hayling Island with a further 9 races scheduled at Poole Yacht Club on the 5th-7th May. One discard is applied for every six races sailed.

The first weekend proved very taxing, with the wind strength varying and large shifts being experienced throughout the weekend. A detailed description of the individual races can be found in the Hayling Island Open reports for days 1 and 2 .

After four races in the selection series the following boats are at the top of the leader board.

Results after 4 races

1. Ben Saxton / James Foskett 16 pts (Open Fleet)
2. Jonny Moss / Ben Muskett 18 pts (Open Fleet)
3. Claire Walsh / Jasmine Husband 33 pts (Ladies Fleet)
4. Peter Gray / Gareth Evans 38 points (Open Fleet)
5. Tim Saxton / Claire Lasko 42 points (Open Fleet)
6. James Rusden / Will Rusden 42 points (Open Fleet)

The men of Linlithgow Loch triumph again 
Peter Irwin & David Kohler, RYA 420 Youth Champions 2007. showed their consistent form by taking the Hayling Open event (Selector 1) with 7 points over the four races (with discard). Ben Saxton & James Foskett were 2nd on 9 and lead the two event Selector Series, to be decided over the (next) long weekend, 5 � 7 May at Poole YC. Jonny Moss & Ben Muskett were 3rd, on equal points with Ben & James, followed by Peter Gray & Gareth Evans, themselves just a point ahead of Claire Walsh & Jas Husband,

However, things shape a little different for the Selector Series, because the first Series discard does not kick in yet. So Ben Saxton & James Foskett lead over Jonny & Ben, with Claire & Jas, recently returned from their hot performance at the Spanish Nationals (and a wetter one at CIMA!) are in 3rd. But the discard, particularly of some BFDs in Races 2 & 3, should make a difference, as well as next week�s racing itself.

For Event website click above. Hayling Open Event Provis. Results and Series Provis. Results to Race 4 here.

Summary of Day 2 at Hayling Island 
Sunshine and around 9 knots met the sailors at the start of their second day of the Hayling Island Open. The fleet launched promptly at 09:55 hoping to complete 3 further races. Many of the boats were looking forward to the next race in order to be able to discard their worst result so far.

Given the difficult conditions yesterday, many of the boats were carry at least one score they would prefer to forget about.

Unfortunately, the breeze in the bay proved more challenging. After a recall on the first race of the day, the breeze went 30 degrees right and dropped to 2 knots. Fortunately, the breeze picked back up to 6 knots and the fleet were in a Black Flag start. (No mistakes this time!) ... (click on link for more).

Summary of Day 1 at Hayling Island 
Saturday (April 29th) saw forty-one 420s (including 3 Irish boats) arrive at Hayling Island Sailing Club for a two day open, which is also the first of two selection weekends for the 420 Open European Championships in Turkey and the 420 Junior Europeans in Holland.

The weather conditions looked very promising (as compared to the RYA Youth Championships two weeks ago). A NE breeze measuring 13 knots provided the ideal start to the day.

But the day would not turn out to be so straight forward. The wind during the day was generally going right, but large shifts (20 degrees and more) made for very tricky sailing conditions, with the corresponding high scores in what was a roller-coaster with a top 5 turning into a mid-twenties result and vice-versa.

For full report click on link above

Schedule for Selector 1 - HISC - 28/29 April 
The event website now has a schedule showing times and locations for registration, briefings etc.

RYA announces sailors selected for RYA 420 National Youth Squad 
Congratulations to the following sailors who have been selected to join the RYA 420 NYS:

Imogen Stanley & Kate MacGregor
Lucy de Boltz & Katherine Kimber
Jonny Moss & Ben Muskett
Ben Saxton & James Foskett
Owain Matthews & Joe Williams
Peter Irwin & David Kohler
Hamish Stone & Chris Proffitt
Ben Palmer & Tom Weatherhead
Jack Yeoman & George Yeoman

Management Committee meets 
The national Management Committee are meeting at Hayling at the weekend. Here are their February minutes.

"Ocean Images" at the Youth Nationals 
You will have seen that we had Rolling Photos up during the event, courtesy of the official RYA photographer, Richard Langdon. A full set of the low-re images supplied to us have been put in the Photo Archive. For the real thing, go to Ocean Images or call Marie.

Irwin & Kohler GBR 420 Youth Champs; Stanley & Macgregor, Women�s Champs 
Peter Irwin and David Kohler will be carrying the 420 Youth Champion trophy back to Scotland, while Imogen Stanley and Kate Macgregor are the 2007 420 Women�s Youth Champions. Final Results

Congratulations to Frances Peters & Hannah Diamond, Sophie Weguelin & Sophie Ainsworth and James Ellis in the 29ers � in fact, a lot of familiar names in the top 15 of the Gold Fleet!

Hey, and Tom Willis won the Laser Radials - awesome!

Breeze arrives too late 
All racing was abandoned at 12:30. The fleets had launched earlier in the day in the hope of getting in one race. For the 420s this would have enabled the second discard to kick in. By 11 o'clock the breeze had completely died. Just before 12:30 the flags had started to flutter at the club house, but the breeze had a long way to go before the fleets in the harbout would benefit from it. Being baked waiting for racing, the sensible decision was taken to bring them home.

Final results are as per last night.

Next major 420 event is the Hayling Open, the first of two weekends for the 420 Open and Junior European trials.

420 - Hayling Day 4 Summary 
Friday the 13th proved unlucky for some.

Four races were sailed in Hayling Bay in light and shifty conditions. Peter Irwin and David Kohler overcame the disappointment of their DSQ on Thursday by storming back with two 2nds and two 1st to lead the 420s on 17 points. Owain Matthews and Joe Williams also made the most of the day's conditions with a 1st, two 2nds and a 6th to take 2nd place on 27 points. Jonny Moss and Bem Muskett moved 1 point clear of last night's leader Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko who had a day they would prefer to forget. Matthew Rainback and James Foskett are keeping up the pressure on the boats just in front by finishing on 49 points, 4 points off 3rd.

The battle for the top girl's slot show British Youth Olympic Sailors Imogen Stanley and Kate MacGregor mover into 6th place with two 3rd places. The final race of the day became "personal" as Lucy de Boltz/Katherine Kimber and Imogen/Kate fought it out for a good starting position. Being "Friday the 13th" saw both of the black-flagged.

Saturday's race schedule has two races planned, although the wind forecast may mean NO racing on the day. If the fleet manages one more race, a second discard comes into play which may well shake the fleet positions up.

We are all hoping for more wind when we return to Hayling in two weeks time for the first of the selection trials for the Open and Junior European Championships.

Lyndsey Bell tells the story on the penultimate day of the RYA Youth Championships. 
420 sailors find themselves willing on the 420 sailors who are the top three 29er teams into the final day: Frances Peters & Hannah Diamond have an 8 point lead over World Women�s 29er Champions, Sophie Weguelin & Sophie Ainsworth. James Ellis & Rob Partridge are in 3rd, by 1 point�.and the next three teams all have 420 experience too, some massively! See 29er Results.

Irwin & Kohler score double bullets to build lead 
Provisional R8 results put Peter and David in the lead on 17 points. Owain & Joe are 2nd on 27 points after 2nds in R7 & R8. Jonny & Ben in 3rd are 1 point ahead of Tim & Claire. Matt Rainback & James Foskett are on 49, and Imogen Stanley and Kate Macgregor hold the Women�s lead on 53 points - in spite of their enthusiasm in Race 8 bringing out the ROs Black Flag! � just a point ahead of the Yeomans.

Irwin & Kohler strengthen lead after R6 
Provisional R6 results put Peter and David in the lead on a net 15 points, with
Owain & Joe up to 2nd on 23 points and Jonny & Ben 1 point behind. Jack & George Yeoman are on equal 26 points with Tim & Claire. Matt Rainback & Foskett are up to 5th on 29 points, 1 ahead of new women�s leaders, Imogen Stanley and Kate Macgregor.

Irwin & Kohler bounce back after set-back 
Provisional R5 results put Peter and David in the lead on a net 13 points, with Tim & Claire tying on 15 points with Jonny & Ben.

420s Hayling - Day 4 
Yesterday saw only 3 races sailed as the gradient wind was from the North. With the racing in course area "Charlie" near the exit of Langstone Harbour, the wind strength dropped significantly coming over the island. NO flag "O" yesterday. At about 2 o'clock, the sea breeze arrived fighting the gradient breeze, leading to a 3rd light race. Breeze died even more as the afternoon wore on so no futher racing in misty conditions.

Overnight, a protest save Peter/David DSQed in Race 4 moving Lucy/Katherine into 3rd overall. When racing restarts today after a generall recall on a black flag start, rumour has it that Jonny/Ben (currently 2nd) will be missing this race.

Friday morning sees a very light northerly breeze (quick cool too). It is predicted that the wind will loose strength later on in the day.

The change of sailing instructions allows up to 5 races to be sailed today although highly unlikely. More news as it becomes available from misty Hayling Island.

Results posted from Youths 
After 4 races. Tim Saxton & Claire Lasko and Jonny Moss & Ben Muskett are both on 15 points. Arising from the outcome of a Protest overnight, leading ladies, Lucy de Boltz & Kat Kimber on 24 points, are in 3rd on the board.

420s - Day3 snippets 
15:30 Results service patchy from Youth Nationals. Currently no detailed results for races 2 and 3.

The first race of the day (Race 2) was "Ladies Day" with Lucy de Botz/Katherine Kimber finishing in first place ahead of Imogen Stanley/Kate MacGregor. Third place went to Jonny Moss/Ben Muskett. Only small changes in the overall top 3 with Peter Irwin/David Kohler retaining 1st ahead of Tim Saxton/Claire Lasko. Jonny and Ben move up one place into third.

After 3 races Tim and Claire take the lead from Peter and David. Jonny and Ben hold on to their third place. No overall point scores currently available, nor information about the fortunes and positions of other 420 sailors.

420s at Hayling - Day 3 
Thursday morning looks like providing good sailing conditions with CHIMET registering 8 - 9 knots at 8 am. Wind up to 11 - 13 knots by 9 am! Will they be using Flag "O"?

Wind continuing to build. At 10 o'clock CHIMET measuring F4 Northeasterly, mean wind speed 13 knots with gusts over 15 knots. Should prove interesting in the bay (Let us hope that the masts survive unscathed for those taking a "swim").

Start times were brought forward 1/2 hour to enable more than the 3 scheduled 420 races to be sailed.

Peter Irwin and David Kohler win only race on Day 2 
Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko took 2nd and Owain Matthews & Joe Williams 3rd. 1st all girl crew in 9th are Lucy de Boltz and Katherine Kimber. 14 420s finished within the time limit, but another 15 didn't! Results See RYA Press Release attached above. Frances & Hannah doing good in 29ers!

420s at RYA Youth Champs - Day 2 
420s launched at 15:50 to 6-8 knots of southerly breeze and sunshine.

1st race finished in the bay. Unconfirmed information at 18:10 is that Peter Irwin and David Kohler won the race ahead of Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko.

RYA: "Youth Nationals sees a windless first day" 
FIVE recent 420 sailors in the top three slots in the 29er event (James Ellis, Frances Peters, Hannah Diamond, Sophie Wequelin and Sophie Ainsworth).

420s at the RYA Youth Nationals 
With many boats arriving early during the Easter weekend, good sailing was had on Sunday and Monday. Measurement of the 31 420s on Monday generally went smoothly, with some boats forgetting to have their sails signed prior to the event by a measurer.

The event starts in earnest today, Tuesday, to virtually NO wind. As of 13:30 the sailors are socialising hoping that the cloud cover will break for some sea breeze to develop. 420s are on the most westerly of the 3 courses near Langstone harbour.

Although the Radials and 29ers were sent out to race in the harbour at 15:00hrs as part of their qualifier series, the 420s (and other fleets) were abandoned for the day soon after.

The forecast for tomorrow is again for light winds with an improvement expected on Thursday.

420 Selections incorporating Hayling and Poole Opens 
From the 17th of April, a late payment fee of �20 applies for the selection series. Why not sign up now, and save yourselves �20. Of course, if you are rolling in money, the 420 Class is greatful for your donation to "the cause". If you can only attend one or other open event, then please sign up so that we can arrange the appropriate safety cover.

Remember, 14 places up for grabs at the Open Europeans. From other news articles it looks like Claire and Jasmin are determined to represent GBR in Turkey this year.

Claire & Jasmine triumph in Spain 
Claire Walsh & Jasmine Husband led the women at the conclusion of the Spanish Nationals at Blanes and raised their game to 7th overall in a field of 115! The full results are attached above. See C V Blanes website for final Press Release and photographs, though a large number of images are now posted on the International Class Photo News and Gallery. Good luck to our �fast� women as they travel slowly to the Coupe Internationale de la M�diterran�e!

Walsh & Husband up to 9th! 
NB Photos to be found on International Class Website - Photo News, together with other news.

420 sailors helm lead boats at BUSA Yachting 
Of the 31 helms sailing in the BUSA Yachting Nationals out of the Royal Southern YC in the Solent, the top three yachts are being helmed by ex-420 sailors: Sam Pearson of Southampton Solent leads after 5 races, followed by Nick Cherry & Guy Brearey, Southampton 1 & 2 respectively . Tom Smedley of Cambridge is running 6th, while Jez Fowke of Exeter is 7th. Of course, there may be many 420 stars on board the 31, but, regrettably, we cannot source the info. The event finishes on Thursday.

Change of weather slows things down at Blanes on Day 2 
�After the hard climatology of yesterday, where the regatistas sailed in conditions of wind from among 16 and 18 knots and waves from among 4 and 6, today they have been found with a forceful rain in which has caused the lack of wind in the zone of Blanes where is carried out the competition. Of that way, even themselves not the four tests have been able to be done that permit to carry out the ends. Tomorrow in the third day of competition will try to obtain the objective. The forecast does not foresee an increase of the wind. Will disappear the rain, although there is possible discharge of local storms�.

Surely we have a Spanish scholar in the Fleet that can do better than this! (word has it that Claire and Jaz could use your help too!)

GBR has "fast" women at Blanes 
Early rumours reach us of Walsh and Husband, "fast" on the water at the Spanish Nationals. If you do Spanish, you will make sense of the report on Day 1 linked above. More when we have a coherent picture! (....well, the picture's clear, but the waves are obscuring the story a bit)

Provisional Results � Day 1

Oh, and the support team got home safely, Claire (in case you were wondering)

Selection Trials for Open and Junior Europeans 
Entries are being accepted online for the Open and Junior European selection trials being held at Hayling Island and Poole.
If you are an overseas visitor or not able to participate in both weekends, we still look forward to seeing you at one of the events. Please sign up for the appropriate selector. There are lots of opportunites for this year's 420 sailors with 14 places availabe, 7 for the open fleet and 7 for the ladies fleet.

�Out of the whole fleet we probably talk the most in the boat� 
Anna and Holly�s formula for winning a World Championship � team communication! - see Y&Y; 23 March, together with Holly�s views on helms and Jonny McGovern! Sound like 420 sailors (this year�s membership renewal now due, ladies!), even if they were in a boat with a red sail!

NEW - 420 Summer Training Camp 
The GBR 420 Class Association are to provide additional training during the summer to assist in the smooth transition to the 420 from other classes. Start your ISAF 2009 Youth Championship challenge NOW.

The summer training camp will be residential and held at Hayling Island Sailing Club on from the 23rd - 27th July. The training is open to sailors of all abilities but sailors moving from the Junior classes are particularly welcome.

Although it is preferable to have a helm and crew partnership organised, this should not discourage those who do not have a sailing partner; we will endeavour to find helms or crews for these people, but we need to know well in advance. We also aim to have a number of boats that can be chartered for the week.

Coaching will be provided by experienced 420 sailors and coaches with a ratio of coaches to sailors of 1 to 6 or less. On the water coaching will be supplemented by video debriefing and shore based sail-setting and rig tuning sessions. The boats will be coached in groups of similar ability but there will be at least one race each day that includes all the boats.

There will be a guest lecture from Christina Bassadone on the 420 and the route to the Olympics.

Youth Match Racing Champs & RYA MR Prog 
OK, so the students have been match racing last weekend, but it is here-and-now 420 sailors who get teams together for the Youth MR Champs at WPNSA on 25�27 August. Fancy having a go? You can start at any age (current National MR Champ, Nick Cherry and current National Youth Champion, Robbie Allam both started in Oppies!). There is an overall weight limit of 350 kg per team, so 4 � 6 sailors � often room for an extra small one! A great way into keelboats, MR tactics and a head start for Uni sailing and beyond. RYA MR Programme 2007 , Entry Form, Parental Declaration and Credit Card Payment Form attached.

420 sailors at 29er Eurocup in Denia, Spain 
On the third and final day of racing, the wind increased to 15 to 20 knots, giving some exhilarating racing and a few capsizes. After 11 races, James Rusden and Ben Saxton secured first place overall ahead of Oliver Rechnitzer and Peter Lang from Denmark, with the lighterweight pairing of Lukasz Pryzbytek and Krzystof Mongird from Poland slipping to third overall.

Champion Cherry takes BUSA MR title 
Gusts of 40+ prevented sailing at the BUSA Match Racing Championships on Sunday, so the scores for the ten flights sailed on Saturday were declared at the result. Nick Cherry's Southampton team, with Will Morgan and Andy Mackay on board, took 6/6 on Saturday to ensure the 2007 crown, duly awarded by BUSA Chair, Steve Gibson. In 2nd were Robbie Allam's Cardiff people, including Maia Walsh & Olly Bennett, while 3rd place was taken by Pinner's of Cambridge - with an all-420 crew of Tom Heywood, Tom Smedley, Rachel Wigmore & Bethan Carden. Some photographs on the Photo Archive. Oh, nice birthday present, Nick - have a good one in Palma!

420 and ex-420 sailors do it in 470s at Rutland 
The second Olympic Spring Series event also had demanding, blustery conditions on Saturday and no sailing on Sunday. After 4 races in the 470, the outcome read like a past copy of On the Wire: Luke & Twiggy, Mars Bar & Dobbo. Jonny & Tom, Tom & George, Niki & Christian, Ally & Lottie and Hannah & Katrina. Lucky them, off to Princess Sofia in Palma (nothing to do with Cherry�s party, of course!).

Only a few places left at Oxford traveller event 
After a successful traveller at Poole YC, the limited places at the Oxford traveller are being taken by sailors keen to test their racing skills after a winter of training. With the selection trials rapidly approaching, Oxford will provide another ideal opportunity to mix it with the best.
Entries limited to first 20 boats so as to fit in with local racing. Some boats are planning to arrive on Saturday to set up their boats and acquaint themselves with the venue.

Poole traveller exceeds expectations 
After the first Poole traveller event was cancelled due to strong wind at the end of November last year, all eyes were on the weather forecast. Predictions at the beginning of the week were showing 22+knots average wind speed.
Even so, 21 boats (of a capped entry) attended Poole YC on the 11th of March. The weather Gods made up with glorious sunshine and around 15 knots of wind.
There was NO club racing on the day and with only one of the Optimist squads training, the race officer was able to have his pick of the water for 3 planned races. (Click on link above for full report ...)

Poole Traveller on 11 March is full! 
The entry limit for the Poole Traveller on Sunday 11 March has now been reached with about 20 boats expected. This should give good racing over the three scheduled races, with a good breeze forecast as well.

An entry limit applies for each Traveller event so that the 420s do not "overrun" the host club on a normal (non-Open Meeting) weekend. So, if you have not entered already, please do not try and enter on the day, as you will not be allowed to sail in the event.

Peter Saxton - GBR 420 Class Sailing Secretary

Youth Championships Entry / National Youth Squad Applications 
The entry deadline for the RYA Youth Championships & Trials is 31st March 2007, so please make sure that, if you wish to take part, you have entered before this date as NO entries will be accepted after this date.. Please enter online at: RYA Youth Championships Website

The 2007 RYA National Youth Squad Application Form is attached. Please make sure that you (and your crew) have filled in a form each and returned to the RYA office ASAP if your are looking to be considered for the RYA NYS, when the squads are reviewed at the RYA Youth Championships & Trials.

Racing opportunities before the Selections 
The final two winter traveller events prior to the selection trial events are being held on the 11th and 18th of March at Poole and Oxford respectively. To help local administration please register online if you are intended to come.

The Dinghy Show provided an ideal opportunity for the 420 class to present it credentials and recruit new members, given the return of the 420 as the ISAF boat in 2009. Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko kindly provided their boat for display on the RYA Youth Sailing stand. Many thanks to all those who helped out over the weekend.

Any 420 sailors up for a trip to South Africa over Easter? 
420s are now being built in RSA, and a new Class has been established. We just heard from the Sec: �Over Easter the Western Cape Championships (6 � 9 April) will take place at Saldanha Bay (NW of Cape Town). It is a multi class dinghy event which usual attracts about 120 - 150 entries. 10 days later (20 - 22 April), we will hold the first International 420 (South African) National Championships at Zeekoe Vlei YC). We are hoping to have two boats available for charter at about �300 for each of the events. If there are any sailors out there who would be interested in coming out I am sure that we will be able to find them accommodation with our 420 sailors and organize a tour for them in between the events. Do you think that anyone might be interested?� (if you are, please contact GBR Membership Sec - see Contacts)

BOA recognises 420 sailing talent 
Congratulations to our 420 sailors who won GOLD at team racing in Sydney. The British Olympic Association have made them Olympic Silver Passport Holders for the coming year.
Well done to Claire Lasko, Kate Macgregor, Matthew Rainback, Ben Saxton, Tim Saxton and Imogen Stanley.

United 4 Sailing 2007: on-line entry opens 
NB altered schedule of venues.

Josie to compete in Women's MR Worlds 
Current GBR 420 member, Josie Gibson is one of 11 skippers invited by ISAF this week to compete in the Women's World Match Racing Championships at the Sport Nautique de Saint Quay-Portrieux, France from 6 -11 August. Congratulations, Jose!

Heywood, Smedley, Wigmore & Carden help Pinner to Cambridge victory. 
What more could Jon want than full-on 420 sailors Tom, Tom (well one time 420 anyways), Rach & Betsy in his crew to take the BUSA Match Racing Qualifier 2 at QMSC today! Robbie Allam�s magic gave Cardiff, with our guys, Ollie Bennett and Maia Walsh, 2nd (but where were his crew when the F flag went up this morning?�.still in bed at the Travelodge!). Soton�s Nick Cherry, with Ian Dobson & James Roche, was 3rd (bad suggestion for Sudden Death, eh Nick?) and Jez Fowke was on board Exeter 1 in 4th (We are reliably informed that Mary Rook, helm of Exeter 2, with Schnibe and Sophie White, are through to the finals too � where a head to head with Charlotte Lawrence of Edinburgh is a possibility! Woop!). Oh, and we hope that Robyn Phillips' Durham Bowman's shoulder has recovered from dislocation and then a trip in the dark with the Umpire!

5 of 12 captains at BUSA MR Qualifier are 420 trained! 
....and that's only the captains! Nick Cherry (Southampton) (perpetual student?), Robbie Allam (Cardiff), Sam Pearson (Solent), Mary Rook (Exeter) and Robyn Phillips (Durham) lead the ones to watch on Thursday and Friday at Queen Mary this week � beats the library or the lab anyday! We hope to bring you news before the BUSA website, hey!

TR volunteers for Brit-Am Cup deadline 
YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Britain must this year reclaim the British-American Cup from the Americans. And that means finding speed in Sonars....! Can 420-trained sailors manage this? The deadline for applications is the 23rd February 2007!

Anyone looking for a sailor?....to sail a 420 with? 
We are hearing that there are some changes in partnerships going on since the Worlds and some new sailors coming into the Class.

Both experienced 420-sailors and those moving on from other Classes can be looking - all sorts of shapes and sizes! Some want a helm or crew for a particular event, some are looking for someone to do the Youths, or the Euros/Jnr Euros Selectors, maybe to do a Class Training weekend with. We are happy to help - but can only make suggestions if we know you are looking! (click above for further info)

Peter seeks your help, providing free passes and his very special company to early volunteers - your Class needs you! 
"We would greatly appreciate some help manning the stand at the Dinghy Show 3&4 March and making sure all the kids leaving their respective junior classes make a well-informed and correct decision by coming and sailing 420s. There are a limited number of free passes available - and you will have the delight of my company all weekend!"
Please contact Peter Gray - see "Contacts" on the menu.

Committee to meet - views invited 
The Management Committee is to meet at the Oxford Traveller. Attached is the agenda for the meeting which will be after sailing on Saturday 18 February at Farmoor. Peter Gray, Sailors� Committee, asked for the meeting, and Carla Stanley says if any sailor has any issues they would like to have discussed, please contact Peter or Carla (see "Contacts" on the menu). Agenda and Previous Minutes attached.

Allam & Burge lead 420s at John Merricks Tiger 
When the Saturday Handicap and the Sunday Pursuit Race Results were eventually combined: Kate Allam & Sarah Burge were the first 420 (overall 33); Peter Irwin & David Kohler 2nd (36) & Anna Mackenzie & Holly Scott 3rd (52nd).

Top 20 showings by random 420 sailors in even more random alternative vessels: James Rusden & Ben Saxton (4th), Frances Peters & Hannah Diamond (5th), Nicola Brook (6th), Neil Baker (�blast from the past� 9th), David Evans (11th), John Davies (�but no Paul! 12th), Tristan Jaques (17), Matt Undrell (19) and James Ellis (20th). Sounds like the weekend and the social were another fun John Merricks Tiger Trophy - only complaint heard was that the 420 & 29er sailors hogged the dance floor!

Slow sailing at the Tiger 
Alison Rumball & Suzanne Burke led the 420s in the slow handicap race at the Tiger on Saturday (19th overall). Recently returned from South Africa, World Mirror Champs, Anna Mackenzie & Holly Scott were 2nd (21 overall) and Kate Allam & Sarah Burge 3rd (24 overall). Several 420s were in the unfortunate lead group in the Slow Handicap who were ahead of the first boat in the Fast Handicap at its finish, so they had a second lap to do, during which the wind dropped.

On Sunday, with very light winds, sailing is limited to the Pursuit Race, being sailed at the South end of the Water. convenient for the spectators sunning themselves at the Club House. It looks like a win for the Thames A Rater, Nicola Brook crewing a merlin in 2nd and Jonny & Tim McGovern, also in a Merlin, 3d....and Peter Irwin & David Kohler first 420, woop! Watch RWSC for definitive overall results......sorry, still computing at 15.45, had to go!

�.and now BUSA boys & girls to Match Race in the USA! 
In September, BUSA will be sending its most talented sailors to America to take part in the bi-annual Anglo American Championships. The captains have been appointed and sailors are invited to seek selection. For the first time an all-Womens Team will be sent, as well as a Men�s. A photograph featuring the unbeaten Women�s Team in Dublin in October will feature on this page and revealsa significant 420 line-up with Bethan Carden, Claire Paramore, Jo Brigg and Nicky Macgregor on board. Full details and application details on BUSA website linked above.

Sophies� 8th breaks Argentine top 10 domination 
Mat�as Gainza Eurnekian & Federico Villambrosa (ARG) are the new 29er World Champions. The Argentine hold on the event was upset a tad by Sophie Weguelin & Sophie Ainsworth. They rose to 8th overall on the last day, bagging a 5th in the penultimate race, and were the leading youth and women's entry. Other GBR 420 sailors: James Ellis was 11th, James Peters 15th, Hannah Diamond 21st, Frances Peters 22nd and Henry Maxfield 24th (also picking up a 5th on the last day). Argentina and GBR were joined in the Gold Fleet by a boat from RSA and two from USA.

James Peters and the Sophies fight the GBR corner at 29er Worlds 
Looks like Day 2 of the Finals was a tough one for James Ellis. James Peters has taken over the GBR lead and is in 9th overall going into the last day of racing at the 29er Worlds on Saturday. The Sophies, the first all-woman boat, are up to 11th. Good Saturday to all GBR 420 sailors!

James Ellis leads our guys at 29ers 
James Ellis & Rob Partridge split Argentine domination of top 5 after four races in the Finals at the 29er Worlds (23/01/07). James Peters is in 7th. Hannah Diamond, in spite of early reported injury, in 13th, and the first British all-woman boat�..the Sophies!

GBRs Sydney Gold: 100% 420 Gremlins! 
News of our guys' success, the competition and the prize-giving are coming through. Official press release attached. See also:
Myrrh Walker of the RYA and a Photo Gallery on Yachts & Yachting; and
Sam Crichton of Sail-world UK

Sophies lead the Brits on D1 at 29er Worlds 
Early days � the practice race on Saturday was abandoned for lack of wind � but after the first two races the Sophies, Weguelin & Ainsworth, are 6th, James Ellis 7th and James Peters 8th

Team GB win Gold at Australian Youth Olympic Festival 
Claire Lasko, Ben and Tim Saxton with their crews Matthew Rainback, Kate Macgregor and Imogen Stanley have won Team Racing Gold in Sydney.

Latest News from AYOF Team Racing in Sydney 
Chris Kameen has just submitted his report on "Day 2" (attached), but the Results on the Event Website go to Day 3 AYOF TR Results [confused in N Hemisphere ed]

AYOF Team Racing - official results page 

MacKenzie & Scott: World Mirror Champions 
Anna Mackenzie (Royal Windemere YC) and Holly Scott (Shustoke SC) won the Mirror Worlds with a race in hand (420-style celebrations are recorded in our Photo Archive). Juliet Long rose to 4th overall after the final race and Rebecca Kalderon completed the Championship in 10th. Rebecca Kalderon, with Hannah Mitchell (Itchenor SC) won the under-16 top Youth Team prize! Congratulations to all Team GBR! Anna thanked all concerned, "although you did get beaten by a couple of girlies!". Woop!

AYOF Team Racing Day 1 
There are ten teams competing - six AUS states plus CAN, NZL, USA and GBR. Eight rounds (each of 5 races) were held today, in hot sunshine and Force 3-5, in front of the Opera House in Sydney.

The unofficial results from the GBR supporters at the end of Day 1 show that GBR are tied in first place with Western Australia (including ISAF 2006 Womens Champions Belinda Kerl and Chelsea Hall), each having two losses. GBR lost to Victoria (including ISAF 2006 Silver Medallists Sam Kivell and Max Taylor) and New South Wales. They are followed by both NZL (including double 420 World Champions Carl Evans and Peter Burling) and New South Wales who have three losses each.

Christina Bassadone & Saskia Clark 470 North American Women's Champions 

Mary Rook in top 10 at Boat Show Pursuit! 

Photos from the 2007 Worlds 
We had an unprecedented supply of images from four photographers at the Takapuna Worlds. We have used several on the Rolling Photos on this page and some will be archioved in due course. Go to the photographers' websites for some amazing photos and contact them for high resolution images for prints.
Bill Calver of www.oceanphotography.co.nz, the official photographer;
Paul Todd of www.outsideimages.co.nz;
Richard Gladwell, the NZ Editor of www.sail-world.com; Sail-World have just announced that they are offering a free DVD of their images - see their news item; and
Christine Hansen�s photos, on and off the water, can be found at the Event website www.420worlds2007.org.nz

Team GB busy at AYOF training camp 
The six sailors, Claire Lasko, Ben Saxton, Tim Saxton, Matthew Rainback, Kate Macgregor and Imogen Stanley arrived safely in Sydney (34 deg in the shade for the first two days) - see attached profile. They are now staying at the Olympic village with their coach Chris Kameen (ex West Kirby).

On Monday the Gremlins had a five-way competition with some school teams (Brisbane Boys College, Cranford and Scotts), plus the Queensland team for the AYOF. They sailed in Rose Bay, on the south side of Sydney Harbour. It provided good training in the Puffin Pacers, and the Gremlins won seven of their eight matches to finish on top.

On Tuesday (today), they had a couple of hours training in Farm Cove, next to the Botanical Gardens and the Opera House, with the Central Business District (�CBD�) as backdrop � very spectacular but quite shifty and plenty of chop from the passing ferries. Their coach, Chris Cameen, ably crewed by Team Mum Helen Lasko, also sailed, allowing them to practice two-boat team racing techniques although there were no buoys in the cove. Wind was Force 2 to 3, and temperature about 25 Centigrade!

Tonight sees a team reception (approx 120 athletes) at the British Embassy with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday evening. Team racing starts on Thursday for three days.

RYA confirms Gremlin story....phew! 

Equipment used at the 2007 Worlds 
The statistics for the equipment used at the 2007 International 420 Class World Championships have been published on the Technical Committee Information page of the International Class web site.

All the best to the Gremlins at Aus Youth Olympic Festival 
�.well, Team GBR, of course! Claire Lasko, Ben Saxton, Tim Saxton, Kate Macgregor, Matt Rainback and Imogen Stanley have moved on from NZL, they�re in Sydney now, well should be! (anyone heard?). The Team Racing starts in Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour on Thursday. No doubt we will receive some on-the-spot news, but, meanwhile, here is a link to the event website. Good luck to our guys! (beats skl anyday!)

Anna & Holly hold lead at Mirror Worlds 
Anna MacKenzie and Holly Scott consolidated their lead into 18 points on Day 3 at the Mirror Worlds. With another lay day tomorrow and then three races left for the Worlds series, we must keep your fingers crossed!

Looks as though GBR 420 sailors are still hacking it in Mirrors! Juliet Long is in 4th, just behind the Clementons, while Rebecca Kalderon is in 9th! Emma Houli is 19th, just ahead of Jilli Darling helming Filthy Gorgeous in 20th in this 79 boat entry at the Mirror Worlds in South Africa.

Some photos are in the Photo Archive.

Simply Gorgeous back on top 
Anna Mackenzie & Holly Scott had a 20 point lead at the end of R6 D2 at Mirror Worlds, with the Clementsons in 2nd and Juliet Long & Co in 5th, but only 6 points off 3rd.

Longs take lead on Day 1 of Mirror Worlds 
Juliet leads on 18 points after the first three races at Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Anna Mackenzie (whose Dad took his bagpipes with him�?!) and Holly Scott are in third on 23, with Davis & Collova of Australia in between on 22.

Anna & Holly win the Mirror Pre-Worlds in SA 
Anna MacKenzie & Holly Scott evidently had a great third and final day's racing in Nelson Mandela Bay, And the Irish were out in force behind them. Meanwhile, the Houli seems to be enjoying her birthday (see Photo Gallery)!

Young Sailors of the Year 
We just heard � sorry, been too busy watching 420s in New Zealand, the Mirrors in RSA and the Bloody Mary! � that we have new Raymarine Young Sailors of the Year in the Class! Woop! Hamish Stone, with his Cadet crew, Aaron Woolf, won the RYA East title and Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster (at the time the reigning Ladies' 420 World Champions!) won the Welsh title. Congratulations to all those receiving awards! (if you click often enough, you may catch the photograph).

Oh, and we would like to bask in the reflected glory of Katie Miller, the impressive overall winner and UK circumnavigator � our 420 member on the Aber Lifeboat served her tea on her way round! (see Complete News earlier this year).

Evans and Burling make it double 
Carl Evans and Peter Burling have successfully defended their World Championship title at the 2007 Worlds in Takapuna. With Jo Aleh and Clivia Powrie�s achievement of the Women�s title with a day in hand and with Kiwis in 2nd and 3rd in both the Opens and the Women�s, New Zealand had an exclusive hold on the podium.

Imogen Stanley & Kate Macgregor had a marvellous result with their 8th in the Women�s Championship.

Ben Saxton & James Foskett achieved a 13th place, with Jonny Moss & Ben Muskett 25th, in the Open Gold Fleet.

James and Will Rusden won the Open Silver Fleet and Owain Matthews & Joe Williams were 3rd..

Worlds - Day 4 
GOOD DAY for British at 420 World's. In the Open Gold Fleet Ben Saxton/James Foskett have moved up to 12th. Jonathon Moss/Ben Muskett are now up to 16th.

In the Silver Fleet James and Will Rusden retain 1st place. Owain Matthew/Joe Williams are now in 2nd. Tim Saxton/Claire Lasko have now closed to 6th. Peter Irwin/David Kohler in 14th and Jack and George Yeoman in 17th.

In the Ladies Fleet Imogen Stanley/Kate Macgregor continue improving, now lying 6th. Alice Brotchie/Jane Turner 21st, Sophia and Emma Parkinson 29th, Alice Currey/Alice Rook 37th, Jenny Lennon/Georgie Aiken-Smith 43rd and Georgie Andrew/Milli Parkin in 44th.

Worlds - Day 4 (more) 
The day began with a mixture of bright sunshine and cloud, the wind was swinging briskly between the south and south west. All three fleets sailed their first race in about 6 kts but then the wind dropped right away. After a short wait the second race began in what proved to be very difficult conditions. Shortly after the start of the Gold fleet a big swing in wind direction left some stranded and the race became a drawn out affair. By the time the Women's fleet began the wind was even lighter and only 15 boats finished within the time limit after battling with the tide. As only two races are programmed per day for the Women's fleet it was a frustrating day for many.

With the wind dropping altogether, sailors got another chance to sunbath as they waited for action. The race committee moved the course closer to shore where a light south easterly was coming directly from the city side of Auckland. The final races were completed by shortening the courses.

Worlds - Day 3 
Sailors left the beach under a grey sky, the wind continued to come from the south west, and the sea began fairly flat building to a slightly choppy state as the day went on.

The first race took place in a light but particularly shifty 10 knot wind - holes caught some leading sailors out enabling those behind to sail around them. During the following races conditions stabalised as the wind increased in strength to around 15 knots.

Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie keep their lead over fellow Aucklanders and Kohimarama YC members Sarah Bilkey and Rosie Sargisson. Third and fourth place goes to Shelley Hesson and Bianca Barbarich also from Auckland with Wellington sisters and former NZ Youth representatives Emma and Sarah Berry coming fourth. Brazilian pair Mariana Basilio and Daniela Adler followed by Italians Eugenia De Giacomo and Lisa Lardani.

Worlds - Day 3 (more) 
In the Gold fleet Peter Burling and Carl Evans have extended their lead over their closest rivals Simon Cooke and Scott Illingworth, Rowan Swanson and Bruce Kennedy sailed strongly to take third position at the end of the day.

The Silver fleet sailors are enjoying close racing with brothers James and Will Rusden of Great Britain in first position; Maxime Garbay and Thomas Haddouche of France second and more brothers Bijorn and Alexander Beilken of Germany third.

Open Gold Fleet: (3 races)
15th Ben Saxton/James Foskett
30th Jonathon Moss/Ben Muskett

Open Silver Fleet: (3 races)
1st James Rusden/Will Rusden
8th Tim Saxton/Claire Lasko
10th Peter Irwin/David Kohler
12th Owain Matthews/Joe Williams
13th Jack Yeoman/George Yeoman

Ladies Fleet: (6 races)
8th Imogen Stanley/Kate Macgregor
32nd Alice Brotchie/Jane Turner
36th Alice Currey/Alice Rook
38th Sophia Parkinson/Emma Parkinson
43rd Jennifer Lennon/Georgie Aiken-Smith
45th Georgie Andrew/Milli Parkin

Worlds Open Fleet - Qualifying Series Results 

STOP PRESS: from our own correspondent in Takapuna 
Peter Saxton writes (at 23.15 GMT):

Day 2 Weather Prospects
"Day 2 and the wind has swung to a NE sea breeze of about 10 knots, and sparkling sunshine � another day in paradise! First race is due off at 12 noon, with three races for the boys (qualifying) and two for the girls (main series)".

Report on Day 1 - attached - provides detailed GBR news on a very challenging day [sorry delay with this, the report seems to have got blown the wrong way or something - we will try and do better tomorrow, ur, today!(ed)]

420s turn out in adverse conditions at Grafham Grand Prix 
With many 420 sailors on international duty in the Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand and South Africa - see earlier news articles) - two 420s flew the flag at the Grafham Grand-prix.
The seventy six entries for the PY1001+ and single hander fleets were somewhat reduced out on the water by a combination of a blustery SW and a forecast of some really heavy weather to come.

Both fleets got away cleanly for race 1 after a start 1 general recall caused by the pin drifting, and were won respectively by Tom Gillard/Sam Brearey sailing superbly in the 420, and Val Millward in the Challenger.

Races two and three in the two hander fleet were dominated by the Merlin Rockets of Bithel and Davis who finished 1 and 2 overall respectively after some very close competition. Gillard/Brearey in the 420 and Tom Stewart in the N12 ended up 3rd and 4th overall, with the 420 team not quite able to hold the MRs as the breeze slackened during the day.

Pre Worlds - Overall 
Sam Kivell/Max Taylor from Australia won the Pre-Worlds Open regatta in Takapuna after overnight leaders Carl Evans/Peter Burling from New Zealand failed to compete in final two races. Derek Scott/Jamie Hunt take second for New Zealand ahead of team mates Mike Snow-Hansen/Joshua McCormack. 1st northern hemisphere boat in 4th were the French pairing of Vincent Berthez/Thibault Heurley. Many of the other international competitors were using this regatta as a training event for the World Championships due to start on the 31st December.

In the ladies fleet, overnight leaders Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie picked up a 2nd OCS which dropped them to second overall behind team mates Sarah Bilkey/Rosie Sargisson. Third place in the ladies event also went to New Zealand's Stephanie Hazard/Cindy Hamilton.

Pre Worlds - Days 1 and 2 
The second day saw event favourites Carl Evans and Peter Burling extend their lead at the front of the fleet to 8 points. They did not have it all their own way with the chasing pack improving all the time and 2nd and 3rd placed Sam Kivell/Max Taylor and Derek Scott/Jamie Hunt winning a race each. The French mixed crew of Marie Lumeau/Vincent Guillarm are leading the rest in 4th . . . (more details on the British Team website - [use link above] - with many useful links to results, photo galleries etc).

GBR 420 sailors go to RSA for Mirror Worlds 
Our team in NZ are not the only 420 sailors travelling overseas to compete this new year � our guys in the Mirrors joining Team GBR for the Mirror Worlds in Nelson Mandela Bay, off Port Elizabeth in South Africa�s Eastern Cape are: Anna MacKenzie, Holly Scott, Emma Houlihan, Natalie Roach, Jilli Darling, Juliet Long and Rebecca Kalderon � seems our women do it in Mirrors too! We wish all Team GBR a very successful Championships.

Matrix brings XMAS cheer to British Teams in NZ 
Matrix Group provided a wonderful XMAS present to ALL the British 420 teams in New Zealand by becoming their principal sponsor for the upcoming World Championship. (Matrix Group is a financial services company specialising in the creation and promotion of innovative financial products and services).Financial contributions were also received from Thames River Capital, Canada Life and Glasgow Investment Managers.

Young Team GB Australia Bound 
Following their success at the ET RYA Youth Team Racing Championship, the British Olympic Association have confirmed that the Gremlins (Helms - Claire Lasko, Ben Saxton and Tim Saxton, Crews - Kate Macgregor, Matt Rainback and Imogen Stanley) will be representing Great Britain at the Australian Youth Olympics in Sydney from the 17th - 21st January 2007. They form part of a British continguent of athletes aged between 13-19 who will be competing in 11 Olympic sports; canoe/kayak; diving; figure skating; gymnastics; hockey; rowing; sailing; shooting; table tennis and taekwondo.

Ms Lasko welcomed to the future of British Sport (and Tim too!) 
Unfortunately, we cannot reproduce the December issue of the Sports Aid Newsletter here, but the full-on flat-wire image of Claire aboard Bow "06? has been seen here before. However, her award of a Regional Young Sailor of the Year award by Shirley Robertson has not! Woop! Tim Saxton is also a Sports Aid recipient. So here?s the Athlete Blog! ? and the photo. Watch out for more at Takapurna!

Open training proving to be challenging 
Weymouth is home to 13 420s participating is this weekends open training. With the training programme offering development opportunities for seasoned campaigners and beginners alike, the coaches have been challenged to provide a range of training corresponding to the existing skill levels. Some of the boats taking part have participated at World and European 420 events whilst others are relative new comers. Saturday saw a fabulous training day in moderate wind conditions. Sunday, with grey skies and significantly cooler, is providing more challenges with an increasing wind strength. All the boats are coming away from the event, in the knowledge that their sailing skills have improved along with their helm /crew communications.
Two further 420s (Charlie Makepeace and Sam Muskett, and Guy Stephens and Nick Bennett-Jones) took the opportunity of training locally at Oxford SC by participating in their club racing. (We assume that they were preparing for the Oxford traveller in the new year).

Gremlins seen in Fireflies 
The Gremlins met at Oxford SC to refresh their team racing skills on the 9/10 December. Sunny skies and a F3 has provided them with a valuable opportunity to get in some team racing practice prior to the Australian Youth Olympic Festival being held in January 2007 in Sydney. The invitation by the RYA and the British Olympic Association was for a mixed team of 3 boys and 3 girls to represent Great Britain at Team Racing. The BOA has been invited for the first time to take part in the AYOF organised by the Australian Olympic Association. The sailors will have the opportunity of mixing with athletes in other disciplines. Full details can be viewed on the AYOF website or via the British Olympic Association web site.

Windy Grafham 
Sunday morning has seen F6 gusting F7. The 420 Transitional Training boats were seen flying across the water (with frequent pauses for a cooling dip to counteract the adrenalin). For the new helm/crew combinations, this was a crash course in team work). The 420 fleet was showing why it is such a good boat in adverse sailing conditions.
Only two boats ventured out for the Grafham Traveller. Tom Gillard and Sam Brearey were looking forward to a good day's racing again Tom Taylor and Philip Lasko. 3 world's boats chose not to race today (having had a great training day yesterday) as their spares are all in the container due to arrive in New Zealand any day soon.
By 11:30 the wind had built to F7 gusting F8+. It was interesting see a 420 with sails fully "ragging" on the beat being blown over. Racing abandoned and Grafham closed to ALL dinghy sailing! Second Sunday in a row falls victim to excessive winds. Next event Oxford SC in February 2007.

BUSA Yachting Nationals 2007 
Calling all student yachtie luvvies (well, the 420-sailor types anyway), the Nationals will be on the ?amble (at the v. posh Royal Southern, of course) from 1 to 5 April (boats from those helpful Sunsail people at Port Solent). As a special service to hard-pressed students, we have all the info. and entry forms posted on our Event Calendar, or go to the BUSA website. Just don?t forget to start motivating now to get your Uni team entered (b4 Soton & Solent snaffle the places!). You heard it here first, so we expect you to dish the news here first too (rumours of parties and discos ? surely not!)

420 sailors line up for TR development squads 
After our premonition last week, a results sheet has been recovered blowing through the fields of deepest Oxfordshire. It seems that the RYA Team Racing Development Programme weekend at Farmoor involved fleet racing on the Saturday! So we are as yet none the wiser as to their TR prowess; maybe there will be further leaks soon?

But we find an impressive (23) mix of youth and pre-archival 420 sailing talent in the line-up. Dobson & Stanley (that's Ims, by the way) led, with Athol King, George & Jack Yeoman, Bethan Carden, and Claire Paramore all in the top five. Other names include current and recent 420 sailors: Pippa Girling, Tom Heywood, Paul Davies, Micky Boughton, Maria Stanley, Andrew Shaw, Tom Hodkinson, Ally Martin, Rob Struckett, Jonny Frazer, Jo Brigg, Lotti Clay, Selena Knight, James Sparrow, Pete Matthews and Sam Petty. Good odds on having our sailors in the GBR Team next year!

Weather forces cancellation of Poole Traveller 
With severe weather on the south coast for most of the weekend, the racing at Poole Yacht Club was initially postponed and the finally cancelled as the gusty wind continued to hover around the 28 knots mark. Rain and sleet also gave Sunday a distinctly wintery feel. Some of the boats managed to get some training in both at Poole and also at Lymington.
The last of the winter travellers before Christmas is being held on the 3rd December at Grafham Water Sailing Club.

SLAM sponsors Worlds Team 
NMC announce SLAM to supply discount team kit for Team at Takapuna.
The team kit for the Open and Ladies fleet can be viewed on the British Event website (access via CALENDAR).

Life after 420s? Volvo RYA Keelboat Squad ? 2007 entry 
One of the options is the Keelboat Programme. See attached notice regarding the training events in 2007, culminating in a selection weekend in September. All the info you need is on the Keelboat section of the RYA website (see link on attachment)

We ran a check, in case you needed warning about whose footsteps you might be following: current National Squad includes: Sam Carter, Nick Cherry, Gemma Farrell, John Gimson, Nicky Macgregor, James Roche. Southern Squad: Catherine Alton. Bethan Carden, Jez Fowke, Charlotte Savage, Dave Steed, Maia Walsh Northern Squad: Sophie Essen, Charlotte Lawrence, Andy Tunnicliffe. You might even pitch up to find Ben Field is your mentor. Didn?t some of these characters sail round Britain the other day? Wowza?

NMC meet at Grafham 
Our National Management Committee just met at the EoS, and now the minutes are available in swift time!

420 sailors invited to RYA Team Racing Developmemt Prog weekend 
Well, its all happening on the Farmoor-fun Reservoir ? more team racing this weekend for a large squad of sailors seeking selection for further training in January with the top Open Teams ahead of the GBR Selection Trials in March. We understand that invitations to the RYA's U21 and University TR Development Programme weekend include: Athol King, Bethan Carden, Maria Stanley, George & Jack Yeoman, Adam Richards, Pete Matthew. Rob Stuckett, Selena Knight, Tom Heywood, Jonny Frazer, James Sparrow, Ian Dobson, Ed Males, Andrew Shaw, Tom Hodkinson, & Paul Davies. Under 21, still at Uni?.pull the other one, the first and last listed were at the very top of the 420 Class rankings in the last century surely! (mind you, this may be myth - the Class website archives don't reach that far back)

Hannah & Rachel join Olympic Development Squad 
Congratulations to World Ladies 420 Champion and twice Junior European Champion, Hannah Mills. She has been appointed by the RYA to the Skandia Team GBR Olympic Development Squad, together with our former 420 and Yngling super crew, Rachel Larman.

420 sailors race for The Bollinger Oxford Magnum 
We are picking up rumours of large numbers of the beautiful people having spent the weekend in Oxford, team racing. We are not sure whether the Magnum was awarded early because of lack of wind on Sunday, or whether this was a convenient explanation to cover the after effects of the Saturday night shindig. But the buzz is that the Cherry brothers were seen in Oxford (possibly no connection, of course, but where there's....). Hard data is proving elusive. We know that West Kirby won and Oxford 1 was first Uni (2nd overall) (sorry, Betsy! - where were your light blues?). If anyone can confirm which of the usual suspects actually took part (unconfirmed sightings of Alton of Nottingham, Dobo of Soton, Stephens of Oxford and Walsh of Bristol have been mentioned), we can provide the definitive alibi - mention on the 420 website!.

Just in from Organiser: Not sure results, suggests asking the sailors (novel idea), expects Y&Y; report and tells us off for forgetting Bollinger in title (classy in Oxford!)

Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko win End of Season Regatta 
After a glorious day's sailing, Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko have won the End of Season Regatta counting two 1sts and two 2nds. Ben Saxton and James Foskett finished in 2nd on 22 points one point behind their tuning partners. (They had an interesting incident on the water where an enterprising jury had to use a yellow lunch bag instead of a misplaced yellow flag).
Third place went to Irish vistors Ed Butler and Sean Collins. Tom Gillard and Sam Breary finished in fourth after they lost a protest and the 1st place from race 6. Josh Rumbol and Tom Davidson finished in 5th ahead of Rob Struckett and Tom Hodkinson. First all girl boat were Kate Allam and Sarah Burge in 12.

James Peters, Henry Maxfield and the Sophies do good in 29ers 
Oops?,,found the 29er results from last weekend at Grafham (nice article in Y&Y; too, by the way). So, James Peters in 2nd and Henry Maxfield in 5th were joined, with top ten placings, by Matt Undrell & Richard Crocker (7), James Ellis (8) and our girls. Sophie Weguelin & Sophie Ainsworth, led the women in 10th. But then?another 8 in the top half of the fleet: Bleddyn Mon, David Brewer & Oren Richards, Frances Peters, Becky Hyde & Andy Fielder (providing the mature touch!), Becky Diamond and Ed Impey! And then, Miles Blaver-Mann, Hannah Diamond, Dan & Jamie Hare were encouraging the rest of the fleet. Sorry if we missed anyone!

End of Season - Day 2 snippets 
Race 5 started at 10 0'clock on Sunday morning and finished in time for a 2 minute silence at 11 o'clock. Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko flew to the windward mark to lead the fleet all the way to the finish chased by Owain Matthews and Joe Williams. Peter Irwin and Alice Currey finished 3rd ahead of Kate Allam and Sarah Burge in 4th and Imogen Stanley and Kate Macgregor in 5th.
Ben Saxton and James Foskett retain their lead on 11 points with Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko in 2nd on 12 ahead of Tom Gillard and Sam Hodkinson also on 12.
13:30 All 420 ashore. Results being processed at the moment.
Tom Gillard and Sam Brearey win race 6 with Matthew Rainback and Kate Sparks 2nd. Josh Rumbol and Tom Davidson finish in 3rd.

End of Season - Day 1 overall 
After 4 races sailed, and one discard applied, Inland Champions Ben Saxton and James Foskett are leading the fleet on 5 points finishing with a flourish of 2 wins. Close on their heels are Tom Gillard and Sam Brearey on 6 points. Rob Struckett and Tom Hodkinson are lying 3rd on 8 points. Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko finished with two seconds and broached in the final race, but are currently in 4th on 11 points tied with Ed Butler and Sean Collins in 5th. 1st all girl crew are Kate Allam and Sarah Burge on 36 points in 12th with Jenny Lennon and Georgie Akin-Smith one point behind in 14th.

End of Season Regatta Day 1 Snippets 
Registration is in full flow at the moment with a briefing taking place at 10:25. Glorious sunshine and a F4 building has greeted the sailors at Grafham this morning.
At 14:00 the 420 are lining up for their 3rd race of the day. Unfortunately, due to the wind conditions, the safety fleet are busy dealing with the youth classes. There have been a few 420 retirements, along with many in the 29er. We will post results as soon we receive them. Retirement count 420 vs 29er is 7 vs22.
Just before 4 o'clock the 420s finished the last of 4 races sailed today in a gusty F5. Results are just coming ashore.
After 2 races Tom Gillard and Sam Breary are leading on 4 points ahead of Irish visitors Ed Butler and Sean Collins in 2nd on 8 points. Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko are 3rd on tie break (9 points) from Ben Saxton and James Foskett. After a tentative start Rob Struckett and Tom Hodkinson won the 2nd race. 1st all girl crew are Jenny Lennon and Georgie Akin-Smith on 25 points in 12th.

Traveller Event at Itchenor Sailing Club a great success 
Andy Shaw and William Smyth lead traveller series with two wins one point ahead of Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko on 3 points. Ben Saxton and James Foskett lie 3rd on 5 points.
The next traveller event is being held at Poole Yacht Club on the 26th November.

Jo Brigg & Ian Dobson show how its done for Soton 
Our Jo Brigg and Ian Dobson both took poll position in their fleets at the conclusion of the BUSA Fleet Racing Champs today (and assured the overall team lead for their Uni). Jo held the lead throughout, with Adam Richards (Sheffield) taking 4th, Maria Stanley (West of England) 8th, Milly Hughes (Sheffield) 9th and Alice Brotchie crewed 10th for Plymouth.

Mark Stockbridge crewed the lead Laser 2 for Bath, and Rich Mason took 8th for Loughborough, while Chris Sanders (Bath) was 11th.

Ian Dobson?s two bullets in an RS200 assured a clear win in the Handicap Fleet. Sophie White (Exeter), the overnight leader, took 2nd, with Dave Evans (Swansea) crewing a 49er to 8th. Harriette Trumble and Dan Schieber (Exeter) were the first 420 in 10th, with Claire Walsh (420; Bristol) in 13th, James Goss (29er; Warwick) 14th and Sam Maxfield (RS800; Soton) 15th. Looks as though some were BUSAd by Sunday! For previous news items click "Complete News" at the bottom.

Light winds for Day 1 at BUSA 
No sign of results from WPNSA, but a slick operation on BUSA website has the story (see linkl)

Jo Brigg (Soton) leads the 420 sailors on 6th in the Fireflys! ? but Milly Hughes (Sheffield) is 8th, Charlotte Savage (Bristol) 10th and Maria Stanley (West of England) 12th. Yes!

Golden oldie, Mark Stockbridge (Bath) is crewing the lead Laser 2! Rich Mason (Loughborough) 10th and Chris Sanders (Bath) 12th.

Another golden?Sophie White leads the Handicap, helming a 29er for Exeter, with Dave Evans (Swansea) in 2nd in a 49er, ahead (just) of his Olympic circuit helm! Woop! Sam Maxfield (Soton) is 5th in an RS800. But then, the mighty Dobbo (Soton) is down in 17th, though well ahead of the 470s and 420s in this wind! Say your prayers to the wind god for Sunday! (and hope the rest are wrecked on Sat night!).

Oh dear, its that time of year! 
Our guys off to BUSA Fleet Racing Champs. Press Release in from BUSA HQ, mentions Dave Evans (49er maestro; Swansea), Sam Carter (recently seen coaching at Hayling; Brunel)!, & getting a tad more up-to-date Rich Mason (Loughborough). Pre-entries show many 420 sailors, though curiously no entry from Southampton?! Firstly, last year?s winning Exeter: Mary Rook (a legend at both ends of many boats) and Jez Fowke (another old reprobate), Stephen Videlo, Harriette Trumble (now a rising star in the Laser Radial Olympic fleet) with some guy called Dan Schieber (do we know him?), Tom Mallindine (taking time off from the 470) with Elliott Parsons, and Sophie White. But then: Maria Stanley (West of England), James Goss (Warwick), Rupe Stock (Bath), Sam Pearson & Chris Witty (Southampton Solent), from Bristol Charlotte Savage, Claire Walsh, Hannah Mills & James Wade, Alice Brotchie & Poppy Husband (Plymouth), Milly Hughes (Sheffield) and Maia Walsh (Cardiff).

End of Season Regatta - Preview 
This year's End of Season Regatta is being held at Grafham Water Sailing Club on the 11/12 November.
A number of Irish boats are joining the British 420 fleet for a weekend of competitive sailing.
The 420 Team attending the World Championships in New Zealand will be there in strength and be using the event to sharpen their starting skills and racing tactics.

Favourites for the event are the winner's of this year's Inland Championship - Ben Saxton and James Foskett, Will and James Rusden, Owain Matthews and Joe Williams. Always amongst the leaders are the mixed pairing of Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko. Imogen Stanley and Kate Macgregor will be hoping to retain their position as first all girl crew and to repeat some of their recent top three race results.

A number of boats will be finalising their preparations for the End of Season regatta by participating in the first of this year's traveller events being held at Itchenor Sailing Club on Sunday, 5th November.

Lotte match races for Edinburgh at BUSA on the Clyde 
Lovely Lymington's Lotte (that's Charlotte Lawrence for anyone new to the 420 scene), with help from the mighty Mackenzie (that's Katie from Windermere) flew the 420 flag on the Clyde last weekend and helmed Edinburgh 1 to come 2nd in the 1st BUSA RYA Match Racing Qualifier! We'll see them again at the Finals in March at QMSC, when, hopefully, they will sort Glasgow (who seem to have lost all their 420 sailors this year!). Sorry to be slow on this one - has our agent Phil gone into hibernation? Anyways, no time to take breath, its the BUSA Fleet Racing this weekend.

STOP PRESS - Grafham Gremlins win ET Youth Team Racing Championship 
Last year's runners-up and 2004 ET Junior Team Racing Champions, helmed by Ben Saxton, Claire Lasko and Tim Saxton and crewed by Kate Macgregor, Imogen Stanley and Matthew Rainback have won this year's ET Youth Team Racing Championship held at West Kirby.
2nd place went to the Itchenor team (Rob Struckett, Rachel Williamson , Andy Shaw, Jack & George Yeoman & Tom Hodkinson), with West Kirby in third.
Numerous other 420 sailors were seen at the event including Sarah Burge, Charlie Makepeace, Tom Taylor, Owain Matthews, Joe Williams, James Foskett, Jamie Crapnell, Jenny Lennon and Sam Brearey. (My apologies for those left off the list - drop me an email at [email protected] and I will rectify the oversight).

ET Youth Racing - Sail-offs 
After completion of the round robin, the top 8 team were enterred into the quater finals with Gremlins defeating Chiddingstone. Itchenor defeated the A-Team and West Kirby won against Sevenoaks. 420s in fifth progressed to the semi-finals by winning against Alice Lisle. They now went on to face the Gremlins who progressed to the final round. West Kirby went to to defeat Itchenor for the other final place. Everything was set up for a thrilling best of five final between the Gremlins and West Kirby. The 420s and Itchenor were going to be an all 420 affair. Alas, the wind which had made it such a successful weekend, decided to turn off making the finals a lottery. As such the finals were NOT sailed and the results at the end of the round robin determined the overall places.

ET Youth Team Racing - Day 2 
After 18 rounds (126 races), which is also the end of the round-robin stage, the Gremlins retake the lead with 16 wins having won against Itchenor. Itchenor lie second on 15 wins ahead of West Kirby also on 15 wins. Alice Lisle in 4th on 13 wins winning on tie break from the 420s.
After 112 races Itchenor win key match against West Kirby to put them into first with 14 wins out of 16). Gremlins lie second on equal wins and losses. West Kirby now 3rd on 13 one point ahead of Alice Lisle.
After 105 races three teams are tied at the top (13 wins out of 15 races) with Itchenor in lead. West Kirby won the crunch match this morning against the Gremlins to lie 2nd and Gremlins in 3rd. The 420s are keeping up the pressure with 12 wins in 4th ahead of Alice Lisle in 5th on 11.

ET Youth Team Racing - Live results 
The results are being posted as they happen on the web.
Racing finishes after 84 races. No change after top four all win 1-2-3 against their respective opposition.
After 77 races Gremlins lead with 10 wins. Three-way tie on 9 a-piece led by West Kirby, followed by Itchenor and Alice Lisle. 420s in 4th on 8 wins.
After 63 races Gremlins maintain lead with 8 wins. Three way tie on 7 wins lead by West Kirby ahead of Itchenor and Alice Lisle (Spinnaker).
After 56 races Gremlins 1st with 7 wins out of 8 races. 420 lead pack of 5 on 6 out of 8 wins.
After 49 races three-way tie at the top with Gremlins in 1st, Alice Lisle 2nd and 420s 3rd. Itchenor top of next 3-way tie ahead of Sevenoaks and West Kirby.

Itchenor vs Grafham Gremlins dual again? 
Now some pre-event news reaches us from the Eric Twiname/RYA Youth Team Championships. Last year?s all-420 Champion and Runner-up teams are back. Will the Grafham Gremlins (2004 Junior Champions) be able to unseat the current holders from Itchenor? Both teams have a galaxy of 420 talent: Itchenor: Rob Struckett, Will Kalderon, Andy Shaw, Jack & George Yeoman & Tom Hodkinson; Grafham Gremlins: Ben Saxton, Matt Rainback, Claire Lasko, Tim Saxton, Imogen Stanley & Kate Macgregor. Or have the other dozen teams been training too hard for our boys and girls? We do not have a full picture of all the other participants yet - so there may be hidden 420 talent on board elsewhere - except that a certain Sam Brearey is leading the Fishers Green team, and TR guru Bruce Hebbert, with his Babes in tow, seems to have at least three teams trained up ? so watch all those Sevenoaks sailors, guys. We hope to bring you hard news from our unbiased observer on the spot soon!

ET Youth Team Racing 
Many 420 sailors have been seen practicing in fireflies at West Kirby on Friday in preparation for this year's ET Youth Team Racing Championship. More information to follow once available.

Inlands overall 
With the wind dropping to a Force 3 for the last race of the day, the final race was required to decide on minor places after Ben and James had won the event with a race to spare. James and Will finished with a bullet to cement 2nd. Imogen and Kate showed the all girl boats can compete with the open fleet by finishing 2nd in the last race and making them first all girl crew in 12th.
Tom and Sam finished 3rd overall two points ahead of Owain and Joe on 21 points. Tim and Claire took fifth overall on 24 points with a very consistant series.

Goss & Parsons: Fireball Youth Champions! 
James Goss and Elliott Parsons showed that the old partnership can still sparkle at Draycote last weekend when they did it in a Fireball ? as Fireball Youth Champions and 7th overall in a 60-boat field. Peter Gray was on their tails too!. Wonder how they will do as rivals at the forthcoming BUSA Champs. By the way, thanks to Carla (the Draycote, not the Oxford, one) you heard this (officially) here first?.of course! ? we scoop Y&Y again! ? results attached.

National Management Committee minutes published 

Cherry wins Match Racing Champs 
Our Nick Cherry is the 2006 RYA Match Racing Champion helm, having beaten another ex-420 helm and twice National MR Champ, Mark Campbell-James. Andy Cornah had James Roche on board in 4th. But for current 420 sailors, a great performance by Robbie Allam?s team, inc. Tom Makey & Adam Richards in 6th Other 420 sailors we found: Athol King, Andy Mackay, Chris Carden (7th team); Andrew Shaw, with Dan Schieber, Tom Hodkinson, Elliott Parsons, in 8th; and Victoria Rawlinson, Mary Rook, Lucy & Nicky Macgregor in other teams.

2007 Worlds Teams announced 

Winter Traveller Series 
In order to provide the opportunity to keep up your racing skills alongside training in the "winter" period, a number of traveller events have been organised. These events are open to non-club members (although local restrictions on numbers entering may apply). 420 can take part in the club organised racing for the day with other like-minded 420 sailors. The entry fee is payable directly to the club. Grafham Water (Traveller III) is already taking online registration with the other events to follow as soon as costs of participation are known. We look forward to many of you taking up this NEW opportunity.

Top British representatives in NZ to be powered by Olimpic sails 
Congratulations to James and Will Rusden and Imogen Stanley & Kate Macgregor on their Selector triumphs last weekend. Thanks to Olimpic Sails for the spinnakers that will, no doubt, make them go even faster in New Zealand! We shall know James & Will by the bright orange and Imogen & Kate will be ?Cortina maroon??..nice!

We also hear that each of the boats selected for the Worlds in New Zealand will have carbon fibre tiller extensions supplied by IBI Sailing (we await an announcement about who will be representing GBR with baited breath!).

PS apparently our leader, that?s Carla, is off to Belgium (with the cr?me de la ?. of GBR Oppy helms for a United4Sailing event) to deliver the trophies to Gertjan & Koen Cleeran, best overseas boat, who took 2nds in the last two races and 4th overall at the weekend.

Worlds Team website 
In order to provide as much information as possible regarding this event, a separate web area has been made available to 420 class members only. In order to access these pages you will need your usual 420 user logon (see Members logon for help) and your membership number.
[Should you have difficulty accessing these pages then drop me an email at [email protected] and I will create an account for the team pages]

Weymouth II Open - overall 
After a tightly contested event, Owain Matthews and Joe Williams pip David Brewer and Owen Richards on countback. Both boats scored 13 points and a 1st, a 2nd, 2 3rds and a 4th. Final race decided the outcome with Owain and Joe finishing 3 ahead of David and Oren in 6th. 3rd place went to Ben Saxton and James Foskett who finished the day with two bullets. The Belgian visitors, Gertjan Cleeren and Koen Cleeren took 4th with two 2nds in the final races. First all girl crew went to Imogen Stanley and Kate MacGregor in 10th.

Open Meetings in 2007 
We are starting to receive dates of 420 Open meetings in 2007 for the calendar. If you are currently in the process of agreeing dates with your clubs, please check the 420 calendar to try and avoid date clashes. Please send the dates to the sailing secretary so that they can be added to the calendar for all interested parties to see. Many thanks.

World Selection Series - Weekend 1 
James and Will Rusden finish in first place at the end of the first of two selection weekends. David Brewer and Oren Richards are two points adrift in 2nd with Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko in 3rd and Ben Saxton and James Foskett in 4th. Jack and George Yeoman finished 3rd in the last race to lift them to 5th overall. Leading girls are Imogen Stanley and Kate MacGregor in 9th with Sophia and Emma Parkinson in 10th. 3rd all girl crew are Amelia Hughes and Lesley Bannister in 21st.

Weymouth Open I - Roundup 
The fleet completed 3 races today with an increasing breeze. In a closely contested event James and Will Rusden win the event on 17 points after scoring 3,2 and a bullet in the last race, one point ahead of David Brewer and Oren Richards who in turn were only one point clear of the Belgian competition of Gertjan Cleeren and Koen Cleeren. Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko were 4th ahead of Ben Saxton and James Foskett in 5th. First all girl crew were Imogen Stanley and Kate MacGregor in 10th 4 points ahead of Sophia and Emma Parkinson.

Day 2 Snippets 
The first race of the day was held in light winds, sea mist and after the second beat a large part of the fleet went to the wing mark whilst others headed back down to the leeward gate. The course had been Inner loop 1 but was changed to Inner loop 2 before the 5 minutes. It appears that some of the sailors had missed this vital piece of information. The discard has kicked in for the open meeting with Cleeren brothers on 6 points ahead of Tiernan and Crapnell on 10 and Brewer and Richards on 14. First girl after a bullet in race 4 are Stanley and MacGregor in 5th on 16 points.
In the selection series after 4 races, the Rusdens are winning on 19points ahead of Brewer and Richards on 22 and T. Saxton and C. Lasko on 24.
Race 2 is currently finishing (12:20)

RYA Youth Squad & Transitional Training 
We congratulate all our sailors who have been appointed to the RYA Youth Squad and those invited by the RYA for Transitional Training

Asher & Willis 470 World Champions 
Nic Asher & Elliott Willis today were crowned 2006 World 470 Champions in Rizhao, China. Hard on the heels of their Bronze in the 2006 Qingdao International Regatta (the pre-Olympic event), where Rogers & Glanfield took Gold, our boys beat all the opposition at Rizhao today. Nick Roger & Joe Glanfield were 10th. In the Women?s Christina Bassadone and Saskia Clark were 6th. Both Nasher and Elliott are former British Optimist National Champions and 420 National Champions.

Gray & Evans convincing victory at FastSail Open 
Sailing with the big girls and boys, Peter Gray and Gareth Evans pointed the way at the weekend. Who is going for the Symmetric Grand Prix?

Robbie & Chris just ahead of Imogen & Kate at Poole 
Looks like a good time was had at Poole this weekend. Robbie Claridge & Chris Sanders (the one with the recent birthday) took first on countback from Imogen Stanley and Poolie Kate Macgregor ? both on 11 points. Recent silver medallist at the Cadet Worlds, Hamish Stone & Chris Proffitt were 3rd on 21, and Kate Allam & Charlie Makepeace 4th on 25 points. A close run for 5th, but Phil Sparks (the one who has clreaned up pretty much everything in Optimists this year) & Matt Rainback made it on countback from the Alices, Currey & Rook, who were found training ever so hard at Lyme last week. No doubt the in crowd will share the details in due course.

Harken rewards Lymington Open 
Contrary to the impression which might be given by the detailed social data provided on the Message Board, sailing was not cancelled on Sunday by the Chris Sanders? birthday celebrations. It was the weather (gusting in the high 30s all day). As previously reported, Saturday had been quite ?fruity? enough, thank you, so after a short postponement (again unrelated to any alleged tardiness of the sailors ? or the Race Committee), the splendid Harken prizes were awarded, and the fleet left at lunchtime (which explains the early social reportage). So Robbie & Chris, won with Sophie & Jasmine 2nd and Ben Saxton & James Foskett in 3rd (full results attached).

The Magnificent 27....... 
It was big in Lymington today - really really big - with 37 knots at the finish of the only race that could be sailed. But 27 420's came to the startline for the Lymington Open to fight the elements with just 11 making it to the finish of one of the wildest & windiest races in recent memory. There were plenty of capsizes, broken rigs and bruises but everyone had a day they will not forget anytime soon.

Robbie & birthday-boy Chris led the field home, followed by Sophie & Jasmine.
The big question now is how many will survive Chris's party tonight! [happy bday, chris (Ed)]

Twiname RYA Junior and Youth Team Racing Championships 
We have received the attached reminder about entries for the TR Champs, Details are on the Event Calendar and on the RYA website. NB Youth event: on 28th/29th October, in Fireflies (supplied), at West Kirby Sailing Club

Selection Series for 2007 World Championships in New Zealand 
The ONLINE entry is now active for the 2007 Selection series being held at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy on the following two weekends: 16/17 September and 23/24 September.
As noted by numerous sailors at our AGM, our bow number costs are quite high, so that we will be using the SAME bow numbers at the Selections as were allocated at the Nationals.
Overseas boats are welcome to attend the OPEN part of these events. (Please use Weymouth I and II Opens to enter).
If you want some race practice prior to the selections, see the events calendar about relevant open meetings.

Lucy Macgregor bows Silver at Qingdao 
?Cool Britain rule waves?.? at 2006 Qingdao International Olympic Classes Regatta with eight medals at the Olympic Classes event at the 2008 Olympic venue. Lucy Macgregor, Nic Asher & Elliot Willis represent recent 420 sailors on the podium as well as some of an earlier vintage!

Gold: Ben Ainslie (Finn), Paul Goodison (Laser), Nick Rogers & Joe Glanfield (470), Chris Draper & Simon Hiscocks (49er); Silver: Helena Lucas, Annie Lush & Lucy Macgregor (Yngling), Iain Percy & Steve Mitchell (Star); Bronze: Nic Asher & Elliot Willis (470), Penny Clark (Laser Radial)

Team Shaw win 2006 Youth Match Racing 
The Volvo RYA Youth Match Racing Championships were won, with some excellent sailing all round on the final day, by Andrew Shaw & his team of 420 sailors. Robbie Allam was 2nd, Sam Pearson 3rd and Ben Saxtion 4th, with all 9 helms and most of the crews being 420 sailors. Summary attached. Full results and participant list on Results page. Some photos are on Photo Archive (more added).

Andrew Shaw new Youth Match Racing Champ 
News just off the water: Andrew Shaw, showing some excellent sailing, has just won the Final at the RYA Youth Match Racing Championships at WPNSA, from Robbie Allam, who had an unblemished result record over the previous two days. As this is posted, the second play-off between Ben Saxton and Sam Pearson is proceeding with 1 win each. Hey, nale biting stuff!

Flash news: Sam Pearson 3rd and Ben Saxton 4th in a 9 (420) helm/team line-up

Good Match Racing on Sunday 
With 3 knts, a great day's match racing at WPNSA, with the Umpires praising the improvement in sailing from day 1 and a lot of close calls. Robbie Allam maintained his unblemished record! But Sam Pearson & Ben Saxton in contention

Lost property and more from last night at Nats ... 
We do not usually hear about these things on the News Page (more MsgBd stuff), but our new Chair-person has access to info and places which her predecessor may not.... We hear that the Crews' Union is strong, with 5 new women on board.

Also, assorted property has been recovered, inc. dangly earring with brown and orange beads, one gear cufflink, and peter gray's trophies (that's the one with the sore bum in Weymouth). In Cloakroom, one white stuff cowes top, navy and a tesco's bag containing jeans with blue belt (nice!), a pink sparkly padded bra (oh, please, do we need the detail?! - this is the official Class website) and a selection of jewellery. These can be recovered from our new leader at the Selectors, or can be sent to Poole or Lymington Opens.

Robbie & Sam set up for a competitive Sunday? 
Exciting stuff on Day 1 at the Youth Match Racing Finals, after 10 flights completed. Robbie Allam & Sam Pearson both had 6 out of 6 wins, with Ben Saxton & Andy Shaw 4/6, Guy Stevens 3/6, Sam Brearey 4/8, Matt Rainback 2/8, Rob Struckett 1/6 and Will Kalderon still looking for a win ? possibly because his bowman spent much of the day falling down the hatch! (sore bum this moning, Pete? ...maybe don't give up the dinghy day job just yet!) [oh, sorry for the delay in posting this news, which was received from RYA MR maestro at the end of racing ? something about getting lost in Kent with Ben Ainsworth and trying to find James Roche?s 21st]

Rich & Dan and Jo & Laurie, the new National and Ladies? Champions 
With a 13th race today before the wind died, the 2006 National Championships came to a conclusion after a great week?s racing at Llandudno. We have new National Champions in Richard Mason & Dan Schieber of Royal Lymington YC & Burgfield SC and the Womens? Champions are veteran 420 team Jo Macdonald & Laurie Marsden, both of Helensburgh SC & Royal Northern &
Clyde YC.

Ben Saxton & James Foskett (Grafham Water/Staunton Harold) were but 3 points behind in 2nd and Owain Matthews & Joe Williams of West Kirby SC were 3rd. Jo & Laurie were in 4th overall, with Sophie Ainsworth & Jas Husband of Royal Lymington in 5th.

6th Tim Saxton & Claire Lasko
7th Oliver Dix & Phil Lasko
8th Claire Walsk & Lucy Cripps
9th Tina Lutz & Lisa Frisch from Germany
10th Rob Struckett & Tom Hodkinson

Brewers Champion Cadets with big 420 following! 
Katrina & Christopher Brewer are the 2006 Cadet National Champions. Our Hamish Stone was 2nd, Miles Blaver-Mann 3rd, Peter Lawrance 4th, Chris Proffitt 5th and Ed Impey 8th. We shall obviously have to go recruiting for more competition for Dave (even his Dad won the Parents? Race!). Oh, and James Rusden won the Old cadets? race, Stephen Videlo 2nd, and Oren Richards 3rd

RYA Youth Match Racing Finals this weekend at WPNSA 
And guess what, all the eleven helms are 420 sailors - Robbie Allam, Sam Brearey, Will Kalderon, Sam Pearson, Matt Rainback, Ben Saxton, Andrew Shaw, Guy Stephens, Rob Struckett ? and, by the look of it, most of their crews too! So it is shaping up for a great Bank Holiday weekend at Weymouth after the Nationals! Travel safely, but don?t miss the weigh in!

Stone challenges Brewer on penultimate day at Cadet Nationals 
News is coming, though a bit delayed, so we are a day behind with action in Weymouth. But it seems that a nail-biting finish was on the cards today after Thursday?s racing (see Y&Y report linked above. All 420 sailors looking good!

Nationals Day 3 and AGM 
Westerly Force 2-3, early rain cleared by launch time, leaving rest of the day dry with occasional sunshine.

Race 6 ? a couple of boats noticed the late port bias and crossed the fleet, with Tim Saxton & Claire Lasko rounding Mark 1 nearly one minute clear of the fleet. They went on to extend their lead on the windward/leeward course. The chasing bunch had close racing, with Ben Saxton & James Foskett finishing just ahead of Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband.

Race 7 . . . (follow event link above for full report).

5 x 420 helms in top 10 at Cadet Nationals 
At the end of day 3, some Brewer people called Katrina & Christopher (in Executrix; more on Dave later!) were leading and Hamish ?Gnat? Stone was 2nd, Miles ?Pulling Power? Blaver-Mann (3), Chris ?No Fear? Proffitt (4) Peter ?Hypnosis? Lawrance (5) Edward ?Touch Wood? Impey (9) in a field of over 100 at the Cadet Nationals at WPNSA. We have not seen today?s results yet (only one race as it was the Lay day), but we are reliably informed that the top 2 were in that order in the race today!

Today?s highlight was evidently the old Cadet sailors? and parents? race ? sorry if we have this wrong, the line was a bit iffy. We understand that James Rusden won (don?t ask about Will!), Stephen Videlo 2nd, and Oren Richards 3rd (so 420 sailing evidently does not impair your Cadet skills!). Personally, I am delighted to report that Andy Brewer was 4th and, therefore, won the parents? race (we may need to draw a veil over Dave?s capsize, though....maybe?all we need now are Proffitt pics to prove it!).

Nationals: Days 1 and 2 
3 races were sailed in ideal conditions on the first day of the 420 national championships. The first two races were held in a strong breeze, with corresponding swell making those sailors who attended the world championships in Gran Canaria feel quite at home. For the third the wind dropped to around 12 knots.

A very enjoyable social was held and with the lack of wind first thing in the morning, allowed for the leisurely start many of the crews were hoping for.

Day 2 saw light winds of 6-8 knots test the skills of the experienced hands as well as those who have recently joined the class.

After 5 races, many sailors are looking forward to tomorrows discard after the completion of race 6.

Results after 5 races:

1. Richard Mason / Dan Schieber - 18pts
2. Ben Saxton / James Foskett - 26pts
3. Owain Matthews / Joe Williams - 26 pts
4. Oliver Dix / Philip Lasko - 35pts
5. Joanne MacDonald / Laurie Marsden - 36pts (1st ladies)

Nationals at Llundudno 
Racing has started for the 51 boats attending this year's 420 Nationals being held at Llundudno SC. The last time the class went to this venue was in 1999. Due to the late finishing of the 420 Junior Europeans, numerous sailors have been precluded from attending this year's event. This morning racing was delayed while the northerly moderated from 25 knots enabling the fleet to lauch through the breaking surf. Wind and waves should make for interesting sailing!

James & Dan take silver at Junior Euros 
Whilst the recently crowned World Champions, Carl Evans & Peter Burling (NZL) also today won the overall results in the Junior Europeans (by 37 points and with a race in hand), the 2006 Junior Europeans Champions are Amit Brokman & Moshe Appel of Israel. And our James & Dan Ellis took Silver, with Vincent Berthez & Thibault Heurley of France in Bronze.

All 8 boats in Team GBR qualified for the Gold Fleet - surely something of a record in itself. The other men's boats were: James & Will Rusden (12th), David Brewer U& Oren Richards (19th), Owain Matthews & Joe williams (30th) and Stephen Tiernan & Jamie Crapnell (36th). Congratulations to the whole team.

GBR Women wipe the board with triple billing on podium 
Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster successfully defended their 2006 title to become Women?s Junior European Champions for a second year running. Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband were 2nd and Frances Peters & Kate Sparks 3rd. GBR Women?s 420 sailing continues to grow and grow!

Patience & Grube: 470 Junior European Champions 
Luke & Twiggy won the Junior European Championships at tavira in the first joint 420/470 Junior Europeans. Making it a GBR double bill, Jonny McGoivern and Tris Jaques won the Silver Fleet.

Mighty Ellises! Score a bullet in last race 
Well, all Provisional, of course, and Junior Europeans Results awaited, but this is looking great for our boys! ....and have you seen our girls?....wowza. Watch for confirmed results....some partyy in Tavira tonight!

Trumble Triumphs at Largs 
Harriette, former top 420 crew, has just won the Women's Laser radial Nats, with an overall 10th place!

Bunnies aboard? 
Double-pawed team refuses to reveal nationality (Tavira Gossip 2)

Cuidado!?Passion at Tavira and bandy legged marine policeman? 
Sea Gossip [tricas do mar]: Paix?o em Tavira? Afonso Prieto e Ana Rita: como ser? no mar?

Those of us back home thought that these 420 (and 470) sailors were hard at work (sailing!) there at the Junior Euros, but our spies sent us the attached gossip column (in an unmarked brown paper envelope, of course). This one is marked 13/08/06 ? we demand to see the rest!

Prelim Res to Friday night 
James & Dan hold on 5th. Hannah & Peggy have a good day, and pull it back to 9th and the Rusdens up 10 too.

They're back! 
We just heard from our correspondent in Cowes that "Unlimited Sailing" / John Merricks were back at 3.00 pm, with a RIB reception committee including Lawrences and Macgregors. Aah! Apparently typical 420 celebrations are in hand on terra ferma.

Report from 420 Class in Tavira on Thursday night 

Agenda for AGM 
Click for the agenda for this ytear's AGM, to be held during the Nationals

Harriette challenges at Largs 
Harriette Trumble is in 4th (and lead woman) into final day in the Laser Radial at Laser Nationals at Largs

Bleddyn Topper Nat Champ, Tom Gillard wins Bronze 
The Topper Nationals saw Bleddyn Mon, 420 sailor at this year?s Youth Champs, beat his rival, World Champ, Andrew Brown to win the Topper Nationals at WPNSA. But Tom Gillard, 420 ?veteran? and widely experienced helm, took the bronze slot on the podium in the 132 boat Gold Fleet. Tom Weatherhead was in 6th place, and new 420 helm, Konrad Weaver in 13th. All good in the Topper Class again, Nathan!

O?Laire leads for 420s at Oppy Nats 
New 420 member, Timothy O'Laire of Howth YC was 7th in the Optimist Nationals at Pwllheli, while Phil Sparks (any relation?) is the new Optimist National Champion. Josh Cripps in 22nd in the 132 Senior Fleet looks like a great recruit! - and there were a good many other 420 dynasties represented too!

Dobson & Tunnicliffe GP14 World Champions 
Ian and Andy, partnered again as in their old 420 days, saw off the opposition convincingly to be crowned 2006 World GP14 Champs at Sligo YC. And Andy seems hungry! He just crewed Greg Pitt to win the 2006 National Sonata Championships too! Reigning 420 National Champion (well, reigning for another week anyway) and current Fireball Inland Champion, Matt Burge, with fellow ex-420 and Poole YC sailor, Simon Wheeler, won the last race and took 5th overall in the 111 boat GP Worlds. And who should win the Silver Fleet (there was a Bronze one too) but Joanne Macdonald (with the aforementioned, versatile sailor Greg Pitt up front), shortly to make a 420 come-back with her old partner, Scots 420 Coach, Laurie Marsden, at next week?s Nationals. Seems 420 sailing does good for your sailing career!

Ainsworth & Husband lead Women at Tavira 
Sophie & Jasmine are leading the Women's competiton in the Junior Euros (in 9th overall on 52 points), with Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster, Ladies' World Champions in 2nd (on 101 points) and Frances Peters & Kate Sparks in 3rd (on 190), 18 points ahead of Suzanne Baur & Katharina Berggren (GER) in 4th tonight.

Balzeau & Fountaine hold in 1st, just 
Berenger Balzeau & Mathieu Fountaine (FRA) hold the lead at the Junior Euros in Tavira on 8 points, on the basis of revised Provis. Res. before protests on Wednesday night. The initially published results were withdrawn after the Race Committee altered them to reflect a dozen OCS in the first race of two held today (lots of wind, by all accounts). Anyway, World Champs, Carl Evans & Peter Burling (NZL) are now showing 1 point behind, whilst Ant?nio Rosa & Francisco Lacerda (POR) are in 3rd on 19, Amit Brokman & Moshe Appel (ISR) on 29, tying on points with James Ellis & Daniel Ellis (GBR) in 5th .Vincent Berthez & Thibault Heurley (FRA) are in 6th on 31. Attached results are provisional and subject to any protest hearings, but now incllude the previously omitted OCSs!

Thames today, Cowes tomorrow: Unlimited Sailing / John Merricks 

Jnr Euros: Finals Day 1 Prelim Results: Gold Fleet 
Well done, the Ellises!

Jun Euros: Finals Day 1 prelim Results: Silver Fleet 

Light winds bring Unlimited Sailing/John Merricks to a halt 

Saltonstall awakens sailors from foamy night out 
Well, what do you do to stir up 420 sailors on the lay day after the disco night but send in the Master of Ferrets! (no doubt the gossip columns will explain the rest)

"Double the speed, double the fun" 
On board "Unlimited Sailing" / John Merricks Day 8

James & Dan Ellis jump from 10th to 3rd 
A moving picture at the Junior Euros by the end of Day 2. World Champions, Carl Evans & Peter Burling (NZL) have taken the lead (but on equal 11 points) from Amit Brokman & Moshe Appel (ISR) tonight. Up from last night, James & Dan Ellis have jumped into 3rd. Berenger Balzeau & Mathieu Fontaine (FRA) 4th on 19 and Ant?nio Rosa & Francisco Lacerda (POR) 5th on 22 points.

Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster are in 7th (27) and David Brewer & Oren Richards in 9th (38 points)

Day 2 Results in earlier than predicted 
False alarm - hey, they're working hard in Tavira! - these are "after-Protest Hearings" Results for Day 2

Incomplete News on Day 2 at Tavira 
We have the top ten results for each of Races 4 & 5 attached, but Race 6 and the overall position at the end of the day is awaited.

We have just heard from our correspondent-in-the-know that there are protests pending following some incident in which we gather one fleet overtook another! So the decision is to hold publication of the results until the morning (Portugal time) so that, hopefully, they will give a more realistic picture of the state of play.

Meanwhile, our Catherine was saying something about the quote of the week coming from Hannah after a full-on capsize just before the finish, but we could not possibly repeat this without corroboration!

Social Programme for Nationals published 

Our guys sail 850 miles to Muckle Flugga, the windward mark! 
Former 420 sailors Charlotte Lawrence, Nicky McGregor, Nick Cherry & James Roche and the rest of the young crew racing the Farr 45 ?Unlimited Sailing John Merricks? in the Round Britain & Ireland race, rounded the most northerly point on the course at Muckle Flugga on the Shetland Isles today. The strong northerly winds sweeping Britain for the past week have effectively turned 1, 800 mile race into a giant windward leeward course with Muckle Flugga as the windward mark! Since they rounded Lands End 5 days ago the crew have been beating into very strong headwinds for 850 miles!
They had a drama in the middle of last night when the mainsail headboard failed and they had to send Rob Hoey to the top of the mast to recover the halyard, whilst down below they spent 5 hours repairing the sail. They have 700 miles to go and hope to finish in Cowes this Friday. The arduous & challenging conditions have already caused 9 of the original 28 starters to retire due to boat damage.

Hannah & Peggy strong on Day 1 at the Junior Euros in Tavira 
Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster took 2nd at the end of the first day of the Qualifiers at Tavira. And GBR were figuring strongly in the tope ten, with Owain Matthews & Joe Williams in 6th, David Brewer & Oren Richards 7th and James Ellis & Dan Ellis 10th, as well as our members, Tuathal MacColg?in & Peter Duggan (IRL) in 9th. Looking good!

Junior Euros: Day 1 results overall 

RORC Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland race 
So we know that Charlotte got back from Gran Canaria in time?and Nicky Macgregor is also aboard John Merricks?.other 420 sailors include Nick Cherry and James Roche. They set off last night on their 1,800 mile journey, which will take approx. 12 days. In addition to the event website, RYA Keelboating promise up dates on the RYA website.

420 World Ladies? Champions are British Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster 

Carl Evans y Peter Burling, Nueva Zelanda, Campiones del Mundo de Vela Clase 420 en categoria absoluta 

Top Tens at Worlds 
Full results to be found on main Results page

Final Results - Open Gold Fleet 

Final Results - Ladies' Gold Fleet 

Final Results - Open Silver Fleet 

Final Results - Ladies' Silver Fleet 

Carl Evans and Peter Burling, very close to the title in the Open Class 

Tara Pacheco y Elena Barambio are still first on the day before the end of the International 420 Class Ladies World Championship 

Carl Evans y Peter Burling, de Nueva Zelanda, a un paso del t?tulo en la categor?a absoluta 

Tara Pachecho y Elena Barambio, sigued primeras, a falta de una jornada 

Ladies' Silver: Post-Protest Results to R9 

Ladies' Gold: Post-Protest Results to R9 

Open Silver: Post-Protest Results to R9 

Open Gold: Post-Protest Results to R9 

Finishers - Saturday 
RACE 9:

Ladies Gold: GRE-52614, ESP-52312, GBR-52227
Ladies Silver; ITA-52102, ITA-51250, ISR-51166
Open Gold: NZL-51984, ESP-52485, ESP-52648
Open Silver: USA-51526, ITA-52225, ISR-51253

Race 8:
Open Gold: GER-51878, NZL-52715, NZL-52362 [OCS POR-52592, ITA-52082]
Open Silver: ITA-52300, ESP-51538, USA-51526 [OCS IRL-51023]
Ladies Gold: GBR-52425, FRA-51959, ESP-52157
Ladies Silver: FRA-51960, IRL-51743, ESP-50606

Race 7:
Ladies Silver: FRA-51960, ITA-51250, ESP-51199
[OCS ESP-51199, FRA-51249, ISR-51166, FRA-50840]
Ladies Gold: ITA-52498, GRE-51592, ITA-52304
[OCS ESP-52107, NZL-52717, NZL-52360, POR-51990]
Open Silver: ITA-52300, ESP-51538, USA-51526
[OCS AUS-51384]
Open Gold: NZL-51984, GBR-52426, FRA-52169
[OCS IRL-51758, ISR-52583]

Hannah & Peggy narrow gap; Claire & Lucy lead Silver 
OK technical website probs at RCNGC until mid afternoon and our web admin on the road. But our faithful correspondent filed his copy just the same: ?Yesterday was very tricky with big variations in wind speed (up and down from 8 to 16 knots) across the course, causing some very big snakes & ladders. Hannah sailed exceptionally well to move up from 10th to 2nd. They are racing in lighter winds today but still big waves?. Well it looks as though Hannah & Peggy kept the pressure on, narrowing the gap to 2 points, with a bullet in the last race. And those crackers in Silver too, Claire & Lucy, have taken over the lead with a 1 and 2 in last two races today.

Finals Day 2 - Open Gold - Provisional Results 
Rich & Dan in 7th and James & Will Rusden in 12th!

Finals Day 2 - Women's Gold - Provisional Results 
Hannah & peggy 2 points off the lead.

Finals Day 2 - Women's Silver - Provisional Results 
Claire & Lucy lead!

Finals Day 2 - Open Silver - Provisional Results 

Finals Day 2 - Friday - Line results 
Provisional top-threes from Race On line - with OCS
RACE 6
Open Gold: ESP-52648, FRA-52682, NZL-52715
Open Silver USA-51526, NZL-51986, GER-51595 [OCS SWE-51779]
Ladies Gold: GBR-52425, NZL-52721, ITA-52304
Ladies Silver: BRA-50483, GBR-52062, USA-47227 [OCS FRA-51249, NZL-52355, FRA-51960, ESP-52018]

RACE 5
Open Gold: RACE 5 - FINISH --- NZL-51984, GER-51874, FRA-52589
Open Silver: RACE 5 - FINISH --- ARG-50795, NZ-51986, ESP-51538
Ladies Gold: GBR-52614, ESP-52157, NZL-52721 [OCS GBR-52227, BRA-51822]
Ladies Silver: GBR-52062, ESP-51143, ITA-52102 [OCS FRA-51249, USA-52388, ESP-51625, USA-47227, ARG-50792]

RACE 4
Ladies Gold: ITA-52498, POR-51990, GRE-52614
Ladies Silver: ESP-5119, ESP-52018, NZL-52711
Open Gold: GBR-52479, ITA-52669, NZL-51984
Open Silver: ITA-52300, ARG-50795, ITA-52225

RCNGC Report: Finals Day 1 Ladies' Championship 

RCNGC Report: Finals Day 1 Worlds Championship 

Thursday - Open Gold Provisional results 
Rich & Dan in 9th and Ed & Fynn in 15th

Thursday so far....Ladies' Day? 
Well, we haven't found the Open Gold Results yet, so.... But our girls are certainly going it again (provisionally speaking, of course!). Hannah & Peggy in 2nd in the Women's Gold, with Sophie & Katrina showing at 6th. An Claire & Lucy are up as 3rd overall in the Ladies' Silver.

Thursday - Provisional Open Silver Results 

Thursday - Provisional Women's Gold Results 

Thursday - Provisional Women's Silver Results 

Double for Claire & Lucy with two 2nds 
Claire Walsh & Lucy Cripps took 2nds in Races 2 & 3 of the Finals in the Women?s Silver Fleet today. Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster were 2nd in Race 1 and 3rd in Race 3 in the Gold.

Finals Finishers - Thursday (& OCS) 
RACE 3 FINISH
Ladies : Group Gold : GRE-52614, ESP-52157, GBR-52425
Open : Group Gold : NZL-51984, ESP-52198, FRA-52682 [OCS GER-52232]
Ladies : Group Silver : NZL-52711, GBR-52062, FRA-51960
Open : Group Silver : NZ-51986, ITA-52300, USA-51526 [OCS ARG-50790, USA-51518, ISR-51253, FIJ-52462, USA-51526, SWE-52195, TUR-52221, IRL-52495]

RACE 2 FINISH
Ladies : Group Gold : GER-50906, SUI-51794, GER-51156
Open : Group Gold : NZL-51984, ISR-50877, BRA-52200
Ladies : Group Silver : NZL-52711, GBR-52062, USA-47227
Open : Group Silver : ARG-50795, USA-51526, ISR-51253

RACE 1 FINISH
Ladies : Group Gold : ESP-52312, GBR-52425, NZL-52717 [OCS FRA-52650, GBR-52127, USA-48689, GER-52234, FRA-51959, ITA-52305, NZL-52712, GRE-50906]
Open : Group Gold : NZL-52715, ESP-52648, NZL-51984
[OCS FRA-52034]
Ladies : Group Silver : POR-51374, ITA-51250, ESP-50009
[OCS ESP-51199, FRA-50483]
Open : Group Silver : ARG-50795, ITA-52300, ESP-51538
[OCS IRL-5102, SWE-52128, SWE-52613, ARG-52042, GER-51595, SWE-5141]

Worlds again - Thursday - Finals get underway 
Your web admin is on the move at the mo so things may be even slower than usual. But we'll do our best. In the meantime, just keep watching the Race Online at RCNGC (click above)

Our special correspondent in Lym de Canarias, Phil de Lawrentios, has provided the following to be going on with. "Hola. The business end of the Worlds started back today, with only Clare Walsh & Lucy Cripps, who found Tuesday?s strong winds & huge waves a bit too fruity for their light weight, missing out on the Gold fleet. All the other 13 GBR crews start in Gold today. Mind you Charlotte & Poppy made hard work of it with the slot gasket falling off on Monday and an OCS and a huge capsize in Tuesday?s races. Richard & Dan and Sophie & Katrina will be rubbing their hands in anticipation as today?s forecast is for more big wind & big waves" Surely worth a woop of encouragement!

Provisional leads at Worlds Qualifiers 
With the full provisional results published (prior to any protests), Carl Evans & Peter Burling (NZL) led in the 6 Worlds Qualifier races, with a 2 point lead over Richard Mason & Dan Schieber (GBR), who were 7 points ahead of Simon Cooke & Scott Illingworth (NZL).

Sarah Bilkey & Rosie Sargisson (NZL) led the Ladies? Qualifiers, but Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes (GBR) were just 1 point behind, in turn 4 points ahead of Marie Lumeau & Claire Bossard (FRA)

So, a lay day tomorrow?.rest for us all? Dream on....

More from Cowes 
?.well, the party anyway?seems that Catherine Alton, Sam Brearey and Nikki Curwen are all on Voador, in the J105s. Our correspondent on this one was apparently wearing a bin bag at the time, so not sure what credence to place on this report!

Pre-protest, GBR in 2nd in Women's and Open! 
Ladies 420 Worlds Provisional Leaders (before protests) - NZL-52717, GBR-52063, FRA-51959 (01/08/200618:00)

Open 420 Worlds Provisional Leaders (before protests) - NZL-51984, GBR-52426, NZL-52715 (01/08/200618:00)

Day 2: Top 3 Finishers - Summary 

GBR double bullet in Race 6; Saxton & Hare join the top scorers 
Ben Saxton & Daniel Hare and Rich Mason & Dan Schieber make it a double first for GBR in Race 6 - woop! (don't think I am gettin carried away here, or anything)

Open RACE 6 Flight Yellow-Red - FINISH --- GBR-52426, GER-51875, NZL-51984; Flight Blue-Green - FINISH --- GBR-52291, SUI-51816, FRA-52034

Race 6 in for the girls 
Ladies RACE 6 Flight Yellow-Red - FINISH --- GBR-52063, NZL-52360, NZL-52717; Flight Blue-Green - FINISH --- NZL-52721, GBR-52710, FRA-51959
Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes take a 1st in R6 and Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband a 2nd

GBR boys 1st & 3rd in R5 
From RCN?utico Race Online: Open RACE 5 Flight Yellow-Green - FINISH --- GBR-52426, NZL-52715, USA-51526; Open RACE 5 Flight Blue-Red - FINISH --- POR-52592, NZL-52358, GBR-52479
Rich & Dan score bullet in R5; James & Dan Ellis take a 3rd!

More gbr women in R5 
From RaceOnline: Ladies RACE 5 Flight Yellow-Green - FINISH --- NZL-52717, ITA-52498, GBR-52425; Ladies RACE 5 Flight Blue-Red - FINISH --- NZL-52721, GBR-52710, GRE-52614
Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband score a 2nd Hannah & Peggy a 3rd

More from Cowes....inevitably! 
Oren & Adam Richards had a win on Monday onboard ?Mariners Cove?, which is the overall lead in Class 2 IRC into Tuesday. OK, whose next?!

Race 4 Results from RCN?utico RaceOnline 
Ladies RACE 4 Flight Green-Red - FINISH --- GBR-52063, NZL-52711, ITA-52305; Flight Yellow-Blue - FINISH --- NZL-52717, NZL-52721, FRA-51959
A bullet for Sophie & Katrina

Open R4 Flight Yellow-Blue - FINISH --- NZL-51984, POR-52592, ESP-52198; Flight Green-Red - FINISH --- ESP-52648, GBR-52426, NZL-52715;
a 2nd there for Rich & Dan!

Flash News: Worlds 
They have the Starts and Finishes in a different place today. Click "Race OnLine" on the front page of the RCN website (thanks for the tipoff, Phil). Happy browsing and keep the Refresh frequent!

420 sailors go sailing at Cowes 
420 sailors all seemed to be in other boats last week (doing good, of course!). Now the website is dominated by the Worlds in Gran Canaria. But snippets are now coming in of other sailing activities.

Macgregor magic evidently at work again, with Flair IV leading the Class 4 IRC at Cowes (sightings of Kate Macgregor and Josh Rumbol). But a relative newcomer, ?No Doubt?, is now getting mentioned. Apparently, Tim Saxton and Claire Lasko, evidently not exhausted by their intensive 29er activities - 17th in the Worlds! - are on board. Apparently, Tom Mallindine & James Clark joined the crew for a day too (anyone seeing them, please ask about their Nationals trophies!). In one race, something about a broken spinnaker pole and loss of masthead instruments when they Chinese gybed in 30 knots (allegedly, with Robert Weguelin steering ? obviously needs Sophie back from Gran Canaria!). It is also rumoured that Catherine Alton and Andrew Shaw are there too. Anyone else?

Provisional Results for Day 1 posted 
It seems that these are post a large number of requiests for redress regarding the initially posted results.

Frances & Kate lead; Richard & Dan in 2nd 
Provisional Results for the Top 10 for Day 1 (3 races) are attached.
Frances Peters & Kate Sparks lead overall, with Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes in 4th. Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber 2nd in Open Champs.

Stop Press: Our correspondent on the spot is reading from the Provisional Results Board in Las Palmas (hope she has got ?em right!): Opens: 2 Richard and Dan; 13 James and Will Rusden; 17 James and Dan Ellis; 25 Neil and Christian; 30 Ed and Fynn; 42 Ollie and Phil; 47 Ben and Dan. Ladies: 1 Frances and Kate; 4 Sophie and Katrina; 12 Hannah and Peggy; 13 Amelia and Lesley; 23 Sophie and Jasmine; 27 Charlotte and Poppy; 32 Claire and Lucy.

News on the Open Champs in 
Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber took a 2nd and a 3rd and Ed Powys & Fynn Sterritt, a 4th & a 5th!

Our women doing it in waves 
Not all the finishes in yet, and anyway provisional, but by our reading Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes have 2 bullets, Frances Peters & Kate Sparks one, Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster a 2nd and Amelia Hughes & Lesley Bannister a 3rd (but you may better informed!). Apparently a certain judge has been heard to mutter something about good sailing in big waves....!

Worlds: Allocation to Qualifier Flights 
Just in case you are trying to track it all, the attached may help (no assurance of accuracy though!)

Tracking the Races at Gran Canaria 
Well, of course, you have all been glued to the Internet all day! Thanks to Phil Lawrence's excellent problem-solving skills and Spanish, we have found the best place (for today at least) to follow the action. Follow the click above and go to the main Club site (not 420 Worlds) and make sure it is clicked for Spanish! The Noticias is where to look (scroll down for the latest; "Llegadas" = starts; "Salida" - finish). Anyway. it seems that there have been three races for every boat; both Open and Women are split into coloured flights and are re-grouped for each qualifying race. We may well be wrong, but ,as at 16.45, it looks as though not every flight/race was posted. We are anticipating top 5 results in each race to be posted on the International Class website later; the full overall results may not be until later tonight, we are told. Happy browsing.

News from the Worlds 
NB although we are doing our best to keep up here on the gbr site (and all the real gossip will come through here anyway, of course - thank you, Lotte), there is a news service developing on the International Class website (particularly tonight, Sunday, because the Real Club N?utico de Gran Canaria website is down today). Hopefully, N?utico will be back tomorrow, but there are even rumours that mark roundings may appear on the International website.....wowza, Catherine, keep taking the tablets! - thanks for the pics.

Team GBR ready in Gran Canaria 
Well, we seem to be dependent on Charlotte & Charles for news & images from Gran Canaria tonight (keep 'em coming!). The Club website seems to be down, so we can?t even watch the webcams! Anyway, we need some real 420 sailing news after all these 420 sailors doing good in other World & Euro Champs (impressive though!), so lets hope Karen?s cookies and Nigel?s vigilance are paying off (Neil behave yourself?whatever you were doing!) and our guys will do the business this week. Sail well, Team GBR!

Hamish Stone takes Silver at Cadet Worlds 
A great last race by the look of it ensured an overall 2nd for Hamish Stone today. As with so many events, everyone goes off celebrating and forget to tell the World, but the results on this one have just gone up. Good one, Hamish!

Luke & Twiggy take Bronze at 470 Junior Worlds 
After no racing yesterday and only the top-10 Olympic-style final race today, Luke Patience & Twiggy Grube held their 3rd.

Emma Houlihan wins Silver at Mirror Euros 
Emma Houlihan and Emily Mackenzie won Silver at the Mirror Europeans at Poole YC this weekend. The Hansens were 5th, Natalie Roach 6th and Peter Gray & Anna Mackenzie pulled it right back to 7th on the final day. With five top 5s in the series, Jack Yeoman held 10th in the 109 boat field.

James Peters first RS World Champion helm 
James, with his crew, Ben Gratton, are the 1st World Champions in the RS Feva - news has been a bit slow from Lake Garda since the first day's racing, but we have this stop press info. Hopefully, we will get the full picture soon. Meanwhile, congrats to James!

Hamish still doing good in Hungary 
After 7 races, Hamish Stone is in 3rd at the Cadet Worlds, with a 21 pont lead over the 4th placed boat, with just a morning to go!

420 sailors keep the pressure up at Mirror Euros into final day 
While the Cisneros boys have the Championship in the bag, the pressure is still on for the remaining placings on the final day at the Mirror Euros at Poole. Emma Houlihan & Emily MacKenzie are 2 points behind the 2nd placed team. Natalie Roach is in 4th, the Hansens are in 6th, Peter Gray & Anna MacKenzie have rallied well to be in 7th and Jack Yeoman holds on 10th in this 109 boat field.

Hamish Stone up to 2nd after R4 at Cadet Worlds 

Official News from Gran Canaria 

Houli rushes up to 3rd in Mirror Euros 
Natalie & the Hansens in pursuit at 4th & 5th! ...and Jack's still there in 10. All going good in Poole!

Henry holds at 10th in 29er Worlds Gold Fleet 
10th in the Qualifiers, Henry Maxfield has held his place in the Gold Fleet after 4 races today. Paul Brotherton & Mari Shepherd go into tomorrow in 6th in the 29er Worlds at WPNSA.

Our Matt Rainback leads the GBR boys at Workum 
Matt is the top ranked Brit in the Optimist Europeans in Workum, whilst members of the de Boltz, Stanley and Foulds dynasties have managed the women?s side of things.

Emma Houlihan leads 420 bid at Mirror Euros after R6 
Following the Mirror Nationals, where Peter Gray & Anna MacKenzie were 2nd, Jack Yeoman 6th and Eloise & Kayleigh Hansen 9th, the Mirror Euros are now in full swing at Poole. Emma Houlihan & Emily MacKenzie are 4th after 6 races, Natalie Roach 5th, Jack Yeoman 6th and Eloise & Kayleigh Hansen 8th, but Peter & Anna could still make a bid from their current 12th in this 109 boat field ? possibly a tad more breeze would be useful!

Ups and downs at Cadet Worlds in Hungary 
Hamish Stone pulled up well from yesterday to 3rd at the 2006 Cadet Class Worlds at Balatonf?red tonight, overtaking Peter Lawrance, currently in 6th, with some Brewers in 8th! Looks like the conditions are but a tad better than the 470s ?enjoyed? for their Euros last month. Oh well. in a Championship fleet of over 80, the 420 sailors doing good in Hungary!

Brotherton & Shepherd running 2nd in 29er Worlds 
Paul & Mari, having won the 29er Nationals at Hayling last week, are now running 2nd in the Worlds at WPNSA, on equal points with the leaders after 8 races in the Qualifiers. Henry Maxfield is 10th in this 105-boat field.

Mirror Euros underway at Poole: Roach in pole position after R4 
OK, so Peter Gray & Anna MacKenzie were 2nd at the Mirror Nationals at Poole YC, with Jack Yeoman in 6th and Eloise & Kayleigh Hanson in 9th. But the pressure is on now, with Natalie Roach leading the Mirror Euros at Poole YC last night, Emma Houlihan & Emily MacKenzie in 2nd and Jack Yeoman in 4th. But we wonder what happened today?

Bleddyn Mon takes Silver in Topper Worlds on Garda 
On equal points with the Champion, Bleddyn had a fantastic Championships at Fraglia Vela Riva on Lago di Garda in the 2006 Topper World Championships.

Our guys gather in Gran Canaria 
The 2006 World Championships are getting underway in Gran Canaria. News bulletin this morning from Lotte: ?Most of the team have already arrived. Containers arrived on time and boats all unpacked undamaged. Hotel very nice and only a few minutes walk from the club. Club fantastic - particularly like the 50m swimming pool right next to our dinghy space so we can dive in the pool to cool off whilst working on the boat! Weather very hot & breezy? ? Tough life for some! Nigel, Karen, Dave & Charles have obviously done a fantastic job for the team.

Header above links tp the Club, but you need to click on the menu as follows: Nautic Area ? Competitions 2005 ? scroll right down for ?420 Worlds ? Edition 2006? ? then ?Enter?. Couple of Webcams take you right to the action!

Notice of 2006 GBR Class AGM: Call for business 
The AGM for 2006 will be held in Llandudno during the Nationals. It will take place in the North Wales Conference Centre at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 23 August. Motions for the meeting, with proposer and seconder, should be sent to Howard Marsden (see Contacts on menu) to be received by Monday 14 August at the latest.

Macgregor (+ ims) beats Macgegors at Poole! 
Unconfirmed murmurings (of glee!) suggest that, following her recent outing at the helm at the Schools?, Kate returned to crewing with Imogen at Poole this weekend to find that Lucy & Nicky were going to sail a 420, instead of a 470. No contest, it was evident that Lucy has been Yngling too much! 1. Stanley/Macgregor, 2. Macgregor/Macgregor, and, wisely, 3. Josh Rumbol & Tom Davison. All good in poole then.

Jack & George win Schools? Championship for Charterhouse 
The Yeomans had a clear win at the Itchenor Schools?, to be awarded the Sir Richard Fairey Trophy. In equal 2nd place Will Kalderon & Marius Hutchenson )St Pauls) and Kata Allam & Sarah Burger (Parkstone Grammar). In equal 4th Kate Macgregor & Catherine Schieter Bruce (Talbot Heath) and Andrew Shaw & Tom Price (Bishop Luffa). 27 boats entered.

Other prizes were awarded: Kate & Sarah - the all-ladies Atral Trophy; Freddie & Harry Saunders (Sherbourne) - the BSDRA Trophy; Sam Petty & Tobin Chew (Radley) - ?School Boat?; Henry Fletcher & Benedict Heaney (Magdalen), ?Old Boat? (fresh sailors, though!).

We were intrigued that Sarah Alton (Edgbaston) allegedly excelled in Joanna?s ?protest forum? (surely not the Brigg?! Woop!). Anyways, another Alton - can we cope?! Evidently one to watch!?.or you might get a DSQ!. We will get the Class Judge on her case for Rule 42, though he might recruit her!

Postponement, then abandonment, for 420s at Weymouth 
Sunday: "The 420?s, Laser?s and Hobie 16?s started the day with high hopes, setting off in a light but constant south westerly wind, however as morning became afternoon the likely hood of starting dropped, as the wind outside the breakwater failed to fill in. A cheer was heard from the patient sailors when the races were postponed indefinitely and ribs were provided to deliver much needed transport to land. " Lay day on Monday.

Sophie & Katrina 7th overall, and Rich & Dan 8th on Saturday night 
Although the Volvo Press release has it different, we are assuming the Results showing to R5 at 21.00 follow the outcome of protests (with ISR DSQ in R4 knocking them off 1st overall ? for now anyway!) and are the latest from Weymouth Bay. Great day for Sophie & Katrina, currently 7th, and, after downs (OCS in R4) and ups, Rich & Dan are running 8th into Day 3.

Our members, Tuathal Mac Colg?in & Peter Duggan from across the Irish Sea, are looking strong in 2nd overall. But all must mind the discard yet to kick in!

Excerpts from Myrrh Walker's RYA Press release, inc,luding quotes from our guys, are attached. As always the latest official news, results and images are to be found on: http://www.youthworlds.org/

Tuathal Mac Colg?in & Peter Duggan in 4th on D1 at ISAFs 
Our members, Tuathal Mac Colg?in & Peter Duggan, sailing for Ireland of course though, had a great first day at the ISAF Youth Worlds, ending the 3rd race 9 points off the lead. Our men, Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber took a 7th position overnight, while our women, Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes, are in 13th into Day 2.

Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster: 1st Women at French Nationals 
Hannah and Peggy have had a consistently good week at Carnac and finished in overall 3rd place at the Coupe Nationale. Dave Brewer & oren Richards achieved an excellent 6th place in the final reckoning in a field of 110.

We have had some podium pics in (which we will feature on this page when we can get them loaded!). We were puzzled to receive one marked "masculine", but could be sure we saw some very feminine Brits on the bronze step - or was the last night a drag night (great make up!).

ISAF Youths wake up to clear skies and strong winds for first day of the Worlds 
ISAF Press release described the opening yesterday. Photographs are available (you may need a magnifying glass as minimal enlargements are obscured!) are available on http://www.youthworlds.org/ wshere the results will come first.

We wish all Team GBR ? especially Sophia Weguelin & Katrina Hughes and Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber all the very best.

Hannah & Peggy still there after R9 Thursday 
The results and full story now available attached (we hope the French cannot read our English better than we translate their French!) We feature a photo on this page of our "feminines", and several from the event website are collected in the PhotoArchive. As always the latest official news is to be found on http://www.yccarnac.com/. We wish Team GBR all the best for the final day's racing.

?anglais f?moinin MILLS/WEBSTER? take 3rd after R7 at Carnac 
Dave Brewer & Oren Richards up to 5th by Wednesday night. Our man, chilling on a RIB says more postponements after lunch on Thursday (lashings of sun screen all round, no doubt!).

?Big V glory for Ben?s young [420!] guns? 
A world record! They did it! Woop!

Good second day for Hannah & Peggy at Carnac 
We await the full results and report for Wednesday on the event website at Carnac. But a press release last night from the organisers suggests that, after postponements, racing got underway around 15.00, with a westerly of 13 -15 knots, enabling three races. Despite some recalls, the sailing was ?in ideal conditions: radiant sun, blue sky?, It seems that there was some change in the overall placings at the top: Balzeau & Fountaine retained the lead, but with Lodos & Pulve 2nd and ?an English female team, Mills/Webster? 3rd. The planned start for Thursday is at 13.30.

It seems that results are going up during the following morning, and your source of definitive information must be the event website (linked above) ? we may be a bit slow getting things up here (though News is also going up on the International 420 website). There are more photos on Carnac YC from Wednesday, including several of our guys in action.

GBR in 5th & 6th after R4 at Carnac 
110 boats, including competitors from Belgium, Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Spain, and Switzerland, took to the water at Carnac yesterday for the first four races of the Coupe Nationals. Full report - in French and English (well, sort of!) and Provisional Results are attached. Three boats from La Rochelle were leading into today, but Han & Pegz were in 5th and Dave & Oren in 6th - pretty close stuff after Day 1!

John Merricks beyond Lands End 
Well, we do think references to the size of Lotte's feet a little uncalled for Ms Stock - we hear she's dead nimble at crewing a Farr 45, so there! Anuway, so we would all like to be in Cork now!

Well, its at Itchenor this week and Poole at the weekend 
OK, so some people are in Carnac, but we stand corrected - 420s are busy in Blighty. The 54th Schools? Week starts at Itchenor on Tuesday (thanks for reminding us AliceC) and there?s a ?fun thing? (with separate 420 start) at Poole YC at the weekend (thanks, KateM). So all you need is to be there, and all we need is full feedback ? news, photos, results, even gossip is good (though it has to be verified by the Class Measurer to appear on the News page). We need to know!

420 women go Yngling at La Rochelle 
Former 420 helms, Victoria Rawlinson, Lucy Macgregor and Gemma Farrell all busy at Yngling Worlds, though in different boats!

420s pitch up at Carnac! 
The French Nationals - Coupe Nationale - start today (well the serious racing starts on Tuesday). We hear rumours of yet greater international participation this year - even Kiwis coming on the way to Gran Canaria? And boats crossing the Channel from UK and Ireland, so this is obviously the place to be. Spare a thought for those ISAF guys next week, though!.

Anyway, things are a bit slow loading on the gbr website with the aftermath of storms and floods affecting the server last week, and News is quicker on the Int 420 site just now, so watch both! But if you have news, pics or any gossip to share try here, or send it through - we'll do our best. The manager at Carnac YC seems very friendly and speaks English, so we wish organisers, sailors and supporters a great event and loadsa fun.

420 sailors aim at World Record to Cork 
Bethan Carden (Cambridge), Charlotte Lawrence (Edinburgh) & Ben Pym
(Cardiff) are set to join TV presenter, Ben Fogle in the first ever Big V
Sail attempt to set an official world sailing record from Portsmouth to
Cork. The Farr 45 'John Merricks' sets sail from Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth
on Monday10 July and will be recorded by the World Sailing Speed Record
Council. ("Oh, that's what Lotte was banging on about at that meeting at the
3rd Selector - that's what the Keelboat Squad get up to!")

Aber 420 sailors feed round-Britain sailor, Katie Miller 
Katie Miller?s singlehanded circumnavigation of the UK in a 21ft Newbridge Corribee led her to Aber, to be welcomed and fed by the RNLIs Enid Mary crew, including 420 helm, Gemma Burchell and crew, Bryony. ?Almost calm conditions meant half motor, half sail to Aberyswyth, where Katie was escorted into the harbour by the inshore lifeboat. Thanks must go to the crew - Gemma, Bryn, Tom and Bryony, for the escort, the ride and the social!? (well, they do social, OK, they?re 420 sailors!). You can still sponsor this 18- year old as she enters the home straight for the Hamble, raising funds for the Ellen MacArthur Trust.

New Zealand convincing 420 Team Racing Champs 
GBR Team Manager, Rachael Struckett reports: ?The Kiwis deservedly won the 420 Youth Team Racing at Lago di Ledro in Italy, beating the Italian girls' team. The Brits narrowly missed getting into the semi-finals, but then finished comfortably in 5th. They didn't favour the fickle Force 1-2 winds, but showed good form when it was stronger. Stunningly beautiful location and great team atmosphere.? Further information and a full gallery of photographs available on the Fraglia Vela Riva [www.fragliavelariva.com] and on the International Class [http://www.420sailing.org] websites.

Henry Maxfield takes Bronze at 29er Euros 
Henry led several 420 renegades at the 29er European Championship - with a margin of 34 points over the next boat! Among the top 10 420 sailors was golden oldie, but not forgotten, Charlie Odell!

New Zealand leads the way to the Grand Final at the 420 Youth TR Champs 
It seems that they had some storms over night at Lago di Ledro and then were
a bit becalmed for most of Friday, but the Race Committee have tomorrows
finals set-up as follows: New Zealand (the favourite) in the Grand Final
with Italy 3 and a shoot-out between ITA2 and ITA3 for the Petit Finals. GBR
are lying 5th, ITA4 6th, ISR1 7th, ITA5 8th and ISR2 9th

Ben Saxton & James Foskett win Flanders 
Ben & James have held the Flanders Youth Championships for GBR. Florian
Dziesiaty & Oliver Szymanski (GER) were 2nd and Daniel Zepuntke & Leon
Bischoff-Everding (GER) 3rd. Tim Saxton & Claire Lasko were 4th and Stephen
Tiernan & Jamie Crapnell 6th. Peter Saxton's Report, together with the
final, Final results from Nieuwpoort, afre attached.
Sounds like there was lots of fun & sun too! Oh, and some Sparks person,
called Philip, won the Optimists by 31 points - where is his membership
application, please, Kate?!

Germans challenge at Flanders 
Ben Saxton & James Foskett retain their lead by 14 points at Nieuwpoort after 8 races, but Florian Dziesiaty & Oliver Szymanski (34) and Daniel Zepuntke, Leon Bischoff-Everding (42) (both GER) have overtaken , Frances Peters & Kate Sparks (46) and Tim Saxton & Claire Lasko (47) for 2nd and 3rd placings today. Tomorrow, 5 July, is the final day. And Chris Proffitt is looking after GBR interests in the Cadets, with a bit of a Belgian mountain to climb though!

Chris Evans rounds Ireland 
When you?ve won the Flanders Youth, you are the reigning 420 National Champion crew and Uni is done for the summer, what does a guy do? If you?re Chris Evans, tackle the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race. Going good at Fastnet, but better by Inistearacht tonight ? watch Mike Henning's Alice II.

Guide to Rule Changes 
Dimitris Dimou, acting Chairman of the Class Technical Committee has written a brief guide to the changes in the International 420 Class Rules, which provides clarification for sailors.

Ben Saxton & James Foskett lead at Flanders after 6 
With a couple of bullets and a discard kicked in, Ben & James have a 9 point lead over Frances Peters & Kate Sparks (24), who are three points ahead of Tim Saxton & Claire Lasko after six races. All a bit incestuous around here?! Anyways, GBR seems to be doing good at Flanders again this year ? though maybe have a care for the French and German teams, both just one point behind! Fortunately, the Cripps is on the case, so we are being kept up to date on social affairs elsewhere.

GBR 420s to Team Race at Lago di Ledro 
We wish the GBR 420 Class Team all the very best for the Tamoil International 420 Class Team Racing Youth Championship 2006, being held at Lago di Ledro above Riva del Garda from 4th to 9th. Rob Struckett & Tom Hodkinson, Andy Shaw & George Yeoman and Jenny Lennon & Jilli Darling, pretty much the team that won last year?s RYA Twiname Youth Champs at Grafham, have been selected to represent the GBR Class at this year?s International Championships. We wish them tactical supremacy!

URGENT: Class Rules 2006 
Please see urgent message from the GBR Technical Representative attached, by clicking on the header.

Worlds & Jnr Euro Teams train at Lymington 
Mark Plummer & Pippa Wilson ran a Team training camp at Lymington last weekend - 10 Boats attended and enjoyed a useful weekend polishing their skills with tuning runs and lots of short practice races. The weekend was rounded off with a fun series of short and very intense & competitive knock out races with Charlotte & Poppy surviving to the end of every race to win the series from Sophie Weguelin & Ben Saxton

Camper Vans at Nationals 
Peter Saxton has organised a facility for camper vans at the Llandudno National championship. Click the title for full information, and follow up with Peter...

International 420 Class Rules 2006 
The new International 420 Class Rules have now been published on the ISAF web site and come in to effect on the 1st July. Dimitris Dimou, acting Chairman of the Class Technical Committee will shortly publish a brief guide to the changes.

Aussie Olympic 470 Gold medallist seeks 420s to sail with at WPNSA 
Anyone interested in sailing at WPNSA for some training from 5 to 9 July? An Australian team is looking for the loan of a 420 for these three days and for some like-minded 420 sailors to sail with. They have Women?s 470 Gold Medallist, Belinda Stowell, as coach! Interested? If so, please be in touch with [email protected] (or ring ? see Membership) as soon as possible.

Junior & Youth Coaches Course 2006 
RYA Coaching Development invite applications for this year's course - see full invitation, details and Application Form. This week-long course includes Powerboat Level 2 assessment and First Aid qualifications = the best way to get qualified and get coaching! Applications need to be sent by the 1st September at the latest - but numbers are limited!

Enter the Nationals... 
Entries for this year's nationals should be made on line....NOW is a good time! Oh, and maybe GBR 52565 might like to add a tad more info? Like who you are, maybe.....those Alices causing a stir again?

URGENT APPEAL: RIBs & drivers/crew for Nationals 
A request to all members and supporters is attached, please click above. Sailors, if your support team may not be seeing this, please help by bringing it to their attention and, maybe, encourage them to offer help to make this an even more successful Nationals than last year?s.

James & Dan 8/154 at Kieler Woche! 
James & Dan Ellis rose up the results over the five races, with a 3rd, a 1st and, in the last race, a 2nd, to achieve 8th overall out of 154! Woop! Sophie Ainsworth & Jas Husband, with a 7th and 14th, finished a creditable35th. The field included several of the national entries for this year's ISAF Youths. The wind was hardly kind, so only five races were possible. ....so now for Flanders!
[for earlier coverage, click Complete News at the bottom of the page]

Three races planned for final day at Kiel 
On the last day of the international competitionm at kieler week, three races are planned for the 420s?.In sunny weather and favourable wind, at least three races are planned on all courses. The last start possibile is around 14:00 clock. The victor distinction is planned for 16:00 - 17:00 clock [Not sure about our German here! - we think this must be the Final race for the top ten teams, under the new Olympic style, Ed]
For all 420 modern language students, here's the original: ?Am letzten Tag des internationalen Teils der kieler Woche sind f?r die 420er drei Wettfahrten vor Schilksee geplant. Die Startbereitschaft wurde deshalb um eine Stunde Vorgezogen. Bei sonnigem Wetter und g?nstigen Winden sind auf allen Bahnen mindestens drei Wettfahrten geplant. Die letzte Startm?glichkeit ist um 14:00 Uhr. Die Siegerehrung ist f?r 16:00 - 17:00 Uhr geplant.? 420 aids revision, woop!

GBR Class Teams for 2006 International Events confirmed 
The GBR 420 Class Association has now confirmed the teams for the 2006 Team Racing Youths, Worlds and Junior Europeans (see attached). We congratulate the sailors on their selection, thank the team managers for all their hard work in advance of the events and wish the whole teams very successful and enjoyable championships. We shall be watching from afar!

Ellis boys pull a 3rd in ?frustrating wind conditions on Kiel fjord? 
The lack of wind which just caused big probs to the 470 sailors at the Euros at Balatonf?red in Hungary seems to be giving a headache at Kiel in Germany too. Today's press release says: "Tropical temperatures and fluky winds (NE 3 -6 knots) prevailed on Kiel Fjord all Monday. Thunder storms and gusts are expected later in the evening... The huge (141-boat) 420 fleet finished 2 races today?. But after only two races, both on the third day, the results reveal some interest for GBR Class sailors. With a 12th and a 6th, GBR Class members, Tuathal Mac Colg?in and Peter Duggan, Ireland?s ISAF Youth entry lie in 15th overall, while GBR James & Dan Ellis scored a 3rd in R2 to give them 21st overnight.

420 women impress at Glyn Charles 
?This weekend's Glyn Charles Memorial Pursuit Race, run by Hayling Island Sailing Club on Saturday 17 June, was an absolute classic, with 120 dinghy and keelboat entries enjoying closely fought racing around Chichester Harbour? (SailWorld). Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes led the three 420s at 32nd, while Frances Peters (again!) & Kate Sparks won the under-16 goodies at 35th and new partnership, Kate Allam & Catherine Alton completed the 420 line-up. We think 420 member James Peters was runner up in the under-16s, so there?s a challenge for our rising stars next year!

This annual event is run in memory of Glyn Charles, one of Britain's greatest sailing talents, who was tragically lost in the 1998 Sydney Hobart Race, and to raise funds for the John Merricks Sailing Trust, set up following the death of Glyn's great friend John Merricks in a car accident in 1997. A serious date for your campaign calendar in 2007 surely!

Youth MR: entries & Cadets? 
Please NB, the RYA tell us that participation in at least one Qualifier event is a must for access to the Youth Champs this year, no back doors! Closing date this Friday for next week's Qualifier, especially re-arranged to suit the 420 Calendar.

And the good news....looks like there is a pool of talent of extra lightweight crews standing by, the Cadets have their Nationals at WPNSA the week before the Youth MR Champs. If you could use that special extra in your team, get in touch with the Cadets or let us know! Otherwise, the Cadets may get their own team together and beat you!

UKCLA pick 420 sailors for Worlds challenge 
Congratulations to Hamish Stone, Ed Impey, Peter Lawrance and Miles Blaver-Mann upon their success in the Selectors & selection for the Cadet Class? team for the Worlds at Balaton in Hungary in July (hope it does not flood! ? see photos at current 470 Euros: http://www.470euro.com/). Looks like the Videlo & Brewer sailing dynasties are playing a significant part too!

Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 
?Be part of the biggest ever Youth World Championship?? The organisers are looking for volunteers to work on the weekend of July 8th ? 9th July at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. During the weekend, the fleet of supplied equipment will be delivered and we are looking for sailors who can start the process of assembling the fleet, working alongside the RYA World Class Sailing Events staff. We will also be building the site and adding branding to make the event site truly World Class. (For more details click on the above link)

Glyn Charles Pursuit at HISC on 17 June 
In 2005, Henry Maxfield & Gareth Evans led the 420s, and Frances Peters and Claire Lasko won the under-16 prize - a day on Conrad Humphreys? Open 60. So which 420 sailors will score at this year?s pursuit at HISC? For more info; follow link to Mark Rushall?s website

Alice Brotchie scores at Grafham 
While Skandia Team GBR celebrated their bag of medals at the Holland Regatta (Christina & Saskia taking a Bronze), what were 420 sailors up to nearer home last weekend, we wonder? Well, Alice Brotchie is Inland Champion crew in the Laser 2000 at Grafham! woop for that!

We heard that there were 420 sailors at Farmoor for the NSSA Champs, and, thanks to Nigel Vick, we can now find the results at http://www.oxfordyouthsailing.info/

The winds blow and the girls go 
...to quote Lucy Burn, you understand! Anyway, press report attached and some awesome photos in from Eddie Mays on this page (we'll do an Archive if we can), courtesy of the RYA, of course! - more to be found on his website at http://www.eddiemays.com/

Amelia & Lesley are Women?s (Fast) Champs with three bullets 
Amelia Hughes & Lesley Bannister stormed through to win the 2006 RYA Women?s Championships, with three firsts on Sunday, at Hayling. This was 420 weather, and six teams of 420 sailors took the top 6, although Lucy Macgregor & Mary Rook, who led on the water for much of the time, handicapped themselves with a low PY with their 470, preparing for the Olympic Class event in Holland this week. Maria Stanley & Kate Macgregor took 2nd, Ania & Niss Booth 3rd, Frances Peters & Kate Sparks 4th and the ?Alices?, Currey & Rook were 6th. It was good to see uni sailors, Alice Brotchie & Jane Turner having a couple of good races and beating, by a point, golden 420 oldies, Charlie Odell & Carrie Vaughan in their RS200.(?tba? remains a mystery!)

"Early bird" entry for Kieler Woche 
We are told that entry before 29/05/06 online is cheaper, follow link. We note that the Scots are booked already! Full event details are on Event Website

News from the Women's at Hayling? 
In the absence of "official" info from HISC on Saturday night, we thank Imogen Stanley for the news (see Message Board) - presumably most of them are "in" Hawaii now. Congrats to Maria and Kate for their race win. Are we to understand that Dobbo has been cross-dressing again and been shipwrecked on the Chichester Bar? Lucy & Mary 2nd on the water in their 470, but swimming, before they set off to Medemblik for the Holland Regatta. Maybe we shall have to await developments on Sunday to make more sense of what is going on at the RYA Women's Championships 2006

Sunday: Short news item, but no results yet on HISC (17.30). Anyone with the facts, please let us know!
OK, still nothing official but Maria & Kate reporting (independently) that Amelia & Lesley 1st, Maria & Kate 2nd, Niss & Ania 3rd, with Lucy Macg & Mary Rook leading on the water all day, but finishing 5th on handicap. We await more definitive info., including whether Niki & Dobbo have been sighted since coastguard announced f9 yesterday (19.30

Anyone Coupe-ing in Carnac in juillet? 
Last year 17 of the 104 boats at the French Coupe Nationale were from GBR (Ally & Ian took 4th, and Jo & Laurie got the prize for teaching (the) English 'fair play'! - remember?). Anyway, the International Class website has learnt that some Kiwis and the Irish are coming en route to the Worlds and Jnr Euros this year.

NoR now published and entry form available on special event section of Carnac YCC website (Armelle Le Fournier even does it in English for the Brits too!)

RYA Youth Match Racing: Update 
Following the session held at Hayling and requests from various 420 sailors, the RYA have changed the date of one of the two qualifiers ? you only have to do one ? by popular request. Further information attached, and the NoR & Entry Form are on the Events Page.

In 2004, 40 of the sailors in 10 of the top 12 boats were 420 sailors! The same year, Lucy Macgregor led an all-420 team to be Women?s National Champions. Last year, 31 of the 40 sailors at the Youths were 420 sailors, as well as 21 of the National Champs finalists. If you are interested, but are not sure how to get involved, see 420 Message Board, as well as the attached.

Calling all 420 women! 
NB any teams who haven?t yet entered for the 2006 RYA Women's Dinghy Championships (20 ? 21 May at Hayling Island SC ? see Events Page) are reminded that the reduced rate probably runs out on Friday. We know from the Message Board that the Alices will be there, woop! The Sailing Secretry at HISC, Leah, reckons nearly half the entry to date are 420s, and there certainly seemed to be quite a number in the Boat Park yesterday. Don?t miss el cheapo entry fee.

Trigger-happy, master of sequence?. 
Nick Bottomley of Itchenor had his finger on the repeater in Hayling Bay on 1 May. See his massive Photo Archive ? 140-odd (though a tad small) images: he reveals some wavy sequences around the Windward Mark. And we have a few lowish resolution shots for the News Page too. But if you want to see them in their high res. glory, contact Nick via http://www.ocean-marketing.com/

Junior Euros Final NoR published 
Link here to the event website. The Final NoR is on the Events page. Good to see the photos.

Bleddyn Mon is Topper Inland Champion 
Bleddyn led 420 sailors to take four of the top six slots at the Topper Inlands at Grafham Water SC last weekend. Tom Weatherhead was 3rd, but on equyal points with 2nd. Peter Irwin was 5th and Ben Palmer 6th. in the 253 boat field! Congratulations to all. For full report follow link.

Teams selected 
The Class Chairman announced that invitations were being issued to those listed on the attached to be members of the teams for 2006 World & Junior Europeans Championships

Mason & Schieber comfortably win the Selectors 
Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber achieved first place over the 3-event, 17 race Worlds & Junior Euros Selector Series at Hayling on Sunday with a 25 point lead. James & Dan Ellis had a great series to take 2nd and Neil Marsden & Christian Birrell were 3rd. Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes led the women and were 4th overall, Charlotte Lawrence & Poppy Husband were 2nd women, and Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband 3rd

Ellis brothers triumph at Hayling 
James & Dan Ellis of Royal Plymouth Corinthian YC won the third Selector, a 3-day event, culminating in some great sailing conditions in the two races on Sunday. Neil Marsden & Christian Birrell were 2nd, Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber, the winners of the Selector Series, were 3rd and Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes were 4th. At the prizegiving, Neil Marsden paid tribute, for the excellent event, to the efforts of Paul Maxfield & the Race Committee, Nigel Ellis & the Safety Team and to all the Shore officials, as well thanking the Commodore and all the staff and members of Hayling Island Sailing Club for their hospitality and support.

Selector 3 - Hayling - Latest 
Mon 1 May
13:24 Race 8 finished - last race of the day
1 Powys/Sterrit, 2 Rusden/Rusden, 3 Mason/Schieber, 4 Marsden/Birrell, 5 Peters/Sparks
12:30 Race 8 started
12:07 Race 7 finished (13-18 kts) O-flag from mark2
(1 Rusden/Rusden, 2 Marsden/Birrell, 3 Mason/Schieber, 4 Ellis/Ellis, 5 Powys/Sterritt
11:15 Race 7 started
10:30 Fleet launched for 2 races in the bay
9:25 AP flag flying - 28knots in the bay
Sun 30 April
17:45 No more racing today
Ellis brothers finish day with 3 bullets. Lasr race sailed in 14/15 knots. Flag O in operation.
17:40 Race 6 finished - (1 Ellis/Ellis, 2 Wequelin/Hughes, 3 Rusden/Rusden, 4 Matthews/Williams, 5 R Claridge/C Sanders)
16:30 Race 6 started - 17 boats BFD on 3 starts
16:05 Race 5 finished - (1 Ellis/Ellis, 2 Mason/Schieber, 3 Dix/Lasko, 4 Weguelin/Hughes, 5 Stewart/Forrester)
14:25 Race 5 started - 2 general recalls and 1 black flag
13:55 Race 4 finished (1 Ellis/Ellis, 2 Weguelin/K Hughes, 3 Marsden/Birrell, 4 Walsh/Cripps, 5 Lawrence/Husband
13:15 Race

sailing futures: life after 420s? + theyr.net 
Luke McCarthy from the RYA Keelboat Programme will be at Hayling on Saturday ? after the end of sailing, about 5.30 pm - for a session about future sailing options for 420 sailors, together with 420 sailors involved in these. Mark Griffiths will be demonstrating theyr.net weather forecast output for Hayling before and after the session. All welcome

WAP experiment for 420 results 
This coming weekend I would like to try an experiment. In addition to updating the website about what is happening on the water (shortly after we receive information from those afloat) we shall also be updating a file so that you can view the same information on your phone. If you are WAP enabled or can browse the Internet with your phone then use the following URL www.optimistsailing.org.uk/420.wml
This has data from last weekend to give you a flavour and to enable you to add this bookmark prior to the weekend. The files are text only and about 1k in size in order to miminise data transfer costs.

For those of you who are interested in the Optimist selections we will be doing the same thing for them using the following URL www.optimistsailing.org.uk/optimist.wml

For those interested in both events use the WAP portal at www.optimistsailing.org.uk/results.wml
Feedback after the event would be much appreciated. (Jan Lasko)

Watching the competition ? the French choose their ISAF entries 
A quiet 420 weekend for gbr after the Youths and before the Final Selector at Hayling next week. So a moment to scan this year?s competition on the international circuit. All major events covered on the Int Class website ? South Americans and Princess Sofia last week and the French CIMA this weekend.

Sadly no gbr boats in this year?s CIMA (Coupe Internationale de la M?diterran?e ? the French Selector event for the ISAFs) at YC d'Antibes. Won in 2004 at Bandol by Ally Martin & Maia Walsh, a 3-boat team of 420 ?seniors? went to Montpellier in 2005 (Ben & Maia 6th, Ally & Ian 11th and Matt & Chris 14th), looking for big fleet competition before the summer events. Envying them the sun, but not the BFDs on massive start line! Gran Canaria (ESP) & CN Cascais (POR) teams led on Sat night. Next French event is the Coupe Nationale at Carnac, just after Flanders (there were 16 gbr boats last year).

RNLI & London Marathon: last sponsors sought 
Gareth Roberts is running the Marathon for the RNLI at the weekend. He has his own sponsorship website and is about ?250 short of his ?1,500 target. He has had loads of support through Sailing Clubs and is now asking for last minute contributions through Class Associations. Every little helps. See attached message from Gareth, or go to: http://www.justgiving.com/runfortheboat. Watch for the blue RNLI vest (No. 44352) on Sunday to cheer him on!

Hamish Stone is Cadet Inland Champion 
OK, we took our eyes off the ball, with all the excitement at the Youths (but only just behind Y&Y on this one!), 420 sailors have been performing on Rutland Water in the Cadet Inlands, their first ?qualifier?. Hamish won decisively with Jonny Kimber in Gnat by 14 points, but Peter Lawrance, although 5th, was but 3 points off 2nd placed Chris Videlo. Chris Proffitt, Ed Impey and Miles Blaver-Mann were all in the top 15 of this 95 boat line-up. Our Jodie Green reports.

Vacancy - Secretary for the 420 International Committee. 
Gail Nuttall retires this year as International Secretary after serving 12 years in the position. She has executed her duties with enthusiam and commitment and the 420 Class Worldwide has flourished during her term of office.

Nominations are now sought to fill her position, and may be submitted via the National Management Committee of member countires. If anyone is interested they should submit their name to Howard Marsden or any member of the British committee as soon as possible.

ISAF World Youth Championship Team Announced 
Following the recently completed RYA Youth Championships and Trials at Weymouth the RYA has announced the team that will represent GBR at Weymouth in July at the ISAF Youth Worlds. In the 420 Class the boys boat will be Richard Mason & Dan Schieber, and the girls will be Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes.
We wish these sailors well in their upcoming campaign for the Youth Worlds.

RYA Youth Championships produces nail-biting finish 
Three races were sailed today, producing some very close contests on the water. After 10 races in a variety of conditions (and thankfully two discards for many), Richard Mason and Dan Schieber finish 1st on 18 pts. Second place was decided on tie break with James and Dan Ellis putting on a late charge with a 3rd and two 2st and just pipped Sophie Wequelin and Katrina Hughes into 3rd and 1st all girl crew, each finishing on 29 pts. In fourth, Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster were 2nd girls on 48pts.

We all await with anticipation the official final results, the announcement of this year's 420 representatives at the ISAF Youth Championships as well as the confirmation of the members of the RYA 420 Youth squad.

Race 7 completed at RYA Youth Championships 
Race 7 was sailed in 25 knots+ average wind strength (gusts over 30). Some of the sailors relished the conditions with Ed Powys and Fynn Sterritt taking 1st ahead of Richard Mason and Dan Schieber. David Brewer and Oren Richards finished 3rd ahead of Scottish sailors Robin Stewart and Matthew Forrester. First all girl crew across the finish line was Sophie Wequelin and Kathrina Hughes in 7th. Richard and Dan now lie in 1st place on 17pts ahead of Sophie and Kathrina on 20 pts and David and Oren in 3rd on 33pts. Numerous boats did not finish race 7 and many sailors are looking forward to the second discard due after completion of race 9.

At 13:30 the sailors were ashore with a postponement as the gusts were up to 38.4 at 14:00 with average wind speeds over 30 knots.

Tomorrow is forecast to be much lighter. (The good news though is that they have a championship!)

Weguelin & Hughes lead Youths on Wednesday night! 
Results for all four races today now up, and Sophie & Katrina are in first on 13 points. Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber are are just behind on 15, in spite of a black flag in the last race (seems like this was a feature in the last start today!), with a 9 point lead over Stephen Tiernan & Jamie Crapnell, 3rd overall. But the Ellis boys, who have had a great, 3-2-1, day, are but 1 point behind them. In the Women's Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster have 26 points to catch up on Sophie & Katrina, whilst Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband are just 3 points behind them. Well its all getting exciting in Portland! (Oh. and Henry is in 3rd in the 29ers!).

Sophie & Katrina lead after R3 
Well, after a boring yesterday, it seems that conditions are good at WPNSA today. Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes took a 2nd in R3 and have 5 point lead over Stephen Tiernan & Jamie Crapnell in 2nd overall, but Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber, with a 1st, have pulled up and are on equal points with them! Claire Walsh & Lucy Cripps had a 3rd in R3. RYA say keep tuning in, so follow the link and this could soon be old news!

PS - 17.45 - Buzz on the street is that they have had 4 races today, but only R3 still showing. Keep looking!!! Meanwhile, our man with the medic has promised to report as soon as soon as he has finished dispensing first aid (to a boat!).

RYA Youths:Images 
Thanks to Philip Alton for the first photographs from the RYA Youth Champs - taken from the bows of Igor! We have set up a PhotoArchive so lots of room for more!.....and your news.....those of us far from Portland need to know!

Stephen Tiernan & Jamie Crapnell lead after R2 at RYA Youth Nationals 
Tim Saxton & Jamie Hare in 2nd; Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes 3rd.
Oh and Henry Maxfield's running 2nd in the 29ers! Woop!

Seems like the day started well with f4, but dropped right off - see the Portland Harbour Anemometer for the detail. One correspondent says v. cold.....on the second run, the leaders made the windward mark, the wind dropped, then filled and they found themselves beating on the run! Hopefully, we will hear more as the week progresses - tell us so we can tell you!

420 Class Rule Amendments: immediate effect 
Urgent message from GBR Technical Secretary: 2006 Rule Amendments have been approved and issued today (07/04/06) by ISAF, with immediate effect (follow link above).

Matt Burge wins Fireball Inlands 
National 420 Champion, Matt Burge (Poole YC & London Uni), sailing with Richard Wagstaff, won the Fireball Inlands: "Grafham Water Sailing Club didn?t disappoint the fleet.....managing to produce breeze which never dropped below force five. The toughest event so far, it will be remembered as much for the time spent in the water, as racing on it"......who was it said "big courses for big boys!"?

Cambridge beats Oxford - BUSA TR 
We hear that Cambridge beat Oxford in the Final of the BUSA Team Racing Championships at Grafham today. We feel sure that there must have been 420 sailors involved, but we will have to await more detailed news to clarify this!

Report from Selector 2 and photographs 
Charles Ainsworth provides first hand confirmation of the weekend's sailing at Sunderland. A gallery of images now up in Photo Archive

Richard & Daniel hold their own, in spite of a battering at Sunderland! 
Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber won the Open event and held the Series lead at Sunderland today. James & Will Rusden had a great event, with a 1st in the last race, taking 2nd in the Open Regatta and shooting up the Selector Series by 20 places! Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster took 3rd for the weekend and pull up to 2nd overall. Some interesting changes in the Selector Series and an impressive couple of races from Belgian sailors, Gertjan & Koen Cleeran of RBSC Gent, taking 11th overall for the Sunderland Regatta. Further news of the event and review of the Series' men and women?s placings attached. For full Open Regatta and overall Selector Series results, see Results page.

Hannah & Peggy win first race on Sunday 
Some interesting results coming in this morning from Sunderland. Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster take a 1st, with the Rusdens in 2nd and Neil Marsden & Christian Birrell in 3rd. Watch on the Events page for updates on the Open and Series results

Richard and Dan lead after 2 at Sunderland 
With 54 boats taking to the North Sea at Sunderland YC this weekend for the 2nd GBR team Selector and Open meeting, Richard Mason and Daniel Schieber were in the lead after 2 races, with Ed Powys & Fynn Sterritt 2nd and Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster 3rd. The field includes 4 Belgian and 3 Irish boats.

Unofficial news from Sunderland at 17.00 (thanks, to the Jury crew! - Team Vials!) - has it that race 3 was abandoned. So more tomorrow!

Foils. Measurement and Selector 2 
We are advised that centreboards manufactured by Cook do not measure under current class rules. Click above for more information...

Sailing Instructions 
SIs for both Selector 2 and RYA Youth Nationals have now been published; follow links from Events page

Bow Numbers 
Note that the numbers issued at Portland (Selector 1) should be retained for all Selection events and RYA Youth Nationals. Boats are required to display them for all these events, click title above for diagram showing correct layout. Replacement numbers will be available at Sunderland (cost ?1 each).

420 Class Sail Measurement Course 
There will be a Class Measurers? Course on the 29th April at Hayling, the last Selector weekend. Places are limited to 8, and preference will be given to parents of Class Members. Please contact Steve Witty, Technical Representative - click above for contact details.

Team Racing at Lake Garda 
We're now into the selection process for Worlds and Junior Euros, but we also need to think about the new Youth Team Racing Championship (click title for NoR). At this stage it will be helpful if any interested teams, boats, or individual sailors would signify their interest in selection for this event; to do so please email Sailing Secretary - see contacts list.

Sailing Partnerships 

Selector 1 images in Photo Archive 
Our Charles, call me "Multi-tasker" Ainsworth has provided an initial supply of images from last weekend at Portland - some here, along with Steve Proffitt's early-bird contribution, more now on our Photo Archive, and yet more promised on http://www.ibisailing.co.uk/

Richard & Dan win Weymouth Open from James & Dan on countback 
Richard Mason & Dan Schieber and James & Dan Ellis were both on 4 points after the four races completed today at Weymouth & Portland NSA. Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster pulled up to 3rd, discarding their race 2. Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes were 4th and James Goss & Elliott Parsons 5th.

James & Dan Ellis lead Weymouth Selector after 2 races 
Richard Mason & Dan Schieber 2nd, David Brewer & Oran Richards 3rd. Veteran Neil Marsden & Christian Birrell (taking time off from their 470 campaigns) are in 4th with James Goss & Elliott Parsons on equal points in 5th. Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster lead the women in 6th place. SR Brest sailors, Simon Moriceau & Cou Mathieu lead the charge from across the Channel, in 11th, while Ffionn Jenkinson & David White lead the Irish challenge in 20th. More results may come in before the news, so click above or go to Events for latest results.

Selector 1 - Update 
Sailing Instructions now published under Event docs (click above).
Briefings for Competitors will be held at 10:00 on Sat 18th.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at WPNSA, and don't forget to bring:
* measurement certificates
* membership cards
* signed entry forms

Argentinians complete their selections 
OK, theres a bit of a lull....lots of admin on the News, training, tuning, preparation....before the Selectors start and this year's Youths. Meanwhile, the Argentinians just finished theirs (ready for the S American Champs, Worlds and ISAF Youths) - follow the link to the International Class site, and then to the 420 Class Argentina - loads of photos there - see their team working sequence

2005 Team Medals 
Medals will be presented to all sailors who represented Team GBR at last year's 420 Worlds and Junior European Championships. The presentation will take place at the 1st (Portland) Selector.

Online Entry Problem fixed 
The Online Entry system was modified to warn of duplicate sail numbers. Unfortunately this did not work on the level of the database on this site, so online entry has not been working since Sunday morning.

It is now fixed and working again.

2006 RYA Women's Dinghy Championships, in association with Dinghy Sailing Magazine. 
The Notice of Race and the Entry Form, published today by RYA, are available on our Events page. Press Release attached

Hayling Open Training: 11 - 12 March 
Joining instructions on the Message Board. Yael's on message - woop!

Online Registration for RYA Youth Nationals 
The RYA have activated their online registration for this year's Youth Nationals to be held at WPNSA in April. Click title for 420 entry. The deadline for entries is Friday March 17th.

420 Selectors - Online Entry 
Entries are coming in, but are still some way short of last year's numbers. If you've not done so yet it's now time to enter for the series, or event of your choice. And don't forget to post the entry fee cheque...

Richard & Daniel win at Vilamoura: it's confirmed! 
Tonight (28.02.06), the final results from the Vilamoura Carnival Regatta were posted at last. Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber won, with a race in hand. David Brewer & Oren Richards took 3rd (also missing the last race) and Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster put on a mighty last day's 1-2-1 after they had had to retire from Race 3 on Sunday, to take 5th overall, one point behind the Portuguese team in 4th. Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband and Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes finished 11th & 12th respectively, on equal points, in a fleet of 29 which had made it onto the water; they also had to miss the final race to catch their plane. Altogether, sounds like a very successful event and excellent preparation for the season's challenges ahead. Congratulations to the whole team. Our previous news coverage of this event can be viewed by clicking Complete News below.

Selectors - Update 
We?re now less than 6 weeks from the fist of three 420 Selection Regattas. The Notice of Race for all three is now posted on the Events page, also a separate Team Selection notice describing what you have to do to become part of the GBR team; with a fleet of our size it?s going to be tough.
You need to enter all three selector events to be considered. However, even if you don?t, please make an effort to attend one or more of the events, they represent some of the best and most competitive sailing you will do all year.
In the next few days you will be able to enter online, watch this space?

New Information from Gran Canaria Worlds Venue 

Tom Gillard & James Foskett win Steve Nicholson Trophy 
Tom & James won the 35-boat double-handed competition at Northampton Sailing Club, with Tom Taylor & Ben Muskett 5th and Peter Gray & Joe Adams 9th..

Asher & Willis win Miami; Bassadone & Clark take 2nd in Women?s 
Nic Asher and Elliot Willis have won the Rolex Miami Olympic Class Regatta 470 event against tough competition; Luke Patience and Chris Grube took 9th. In the Women?s, Christina Bassadone and Saskia Clark took Silver, with Pippa Wilson and Sheena Craig in 9th. Former 420 National Champion, Chris Draper won Silver in the 49ers, with Stevie Morrison (also a 420 National Champ) in 5th. In the Yngling, former ISAF 420 Youth Gold & Silver medallist, Victoria Rawlinson is back! - joining the Sarahs for their Bronze placing in the Yngling, whilst Gemma Farrell lead her team to 9th. And in the Laser Radial, Harriette Trumble won the Consolation Fleet (that's 11th overall!). 420 sailors rule OK! Woop!

Ed Powys & Fynn Sterritt take 5th at Australian Youth Nationals 
The Singaporean team won the Women's. So Fynn has to fly home to school now - poor old him!

Results from Aus at last 
Ed & Fynn in 9th.

Our cameraman on/in the water writes: "Hot and dry here, with temperatures ranging from mid thirties to low forties. Wind today on the course was averaging 20 knots with a lumpy sea, giving some testing conditions for sailors and boats alike.. Not to mention the photographer as the number of images of ocean and sky that I had to delete was mind numbing." A lot of good'uns up on QuestPhoto.com.

Tom Taylor led 420 entry at Grafham Grand Prix 
Tom took 9th today in the Slow Handicap fleet at Grafham crewed by his uncle - David Scott (we look forward to David joining the Class - with his CV - he and helm, Ian Pinnell were 2002 Fireball World Champions - good one, Tom!).

The new double twin Saxton/Hare line-up saw Tim & Jamie in 16th and Ben & Daniel in 19th. Claire & Phil Lasko made a delayed appearance - in time for Race 2 - something to do with Proctor boom meets Superspars mast on borrowed hull? (really Claire, you should get an experienced crew to look after your equipment!). Other 420 sailors included Matt Undrell & Richard Crocker in a 29er (20th in the Fast Handicap) and Tom Gillard in a Streaker (20th in the Single Handers).

Our Grafham man-on-the-Water reports: "The wind was a northerly, initially about 15, dropping to 10 knots by the end of racing. The largest class in the slow handicap was the Flying Fifteens, which made starting quite a challenge, as they pointed high and had a huge windshadow!"

420 sailors lead Peter Andreae Trophy: Weguelin wins 
Sophie Weguelin won this year's Peter Andreae Trophy at the Royal Lymington YC. 21 young sailors competed in the Club?s Lymington River Scows. Robyn Stock was 2nd and James Rusden 3rd.

Aussies have 7 races in, but a backlog of protests 

Neil Marsden & Ian Dobson win Yorkshire Dales Brass Monkey 
Jonny McGovern, recently returned from Alpine snows, also seen taking =4 in a GP.

Open Training - West Kirby 21/22 Jan 2006 
More training now organised, you can now train at West Kirby in January, head coach Katherine Hopson. Get your application in asap (to Glyn Rawson, click title or see Events or Training pages for form).

This is in addition to the Hayling open training and RYA training; lots of opportunities to improve performance before the 2006 season...

"British sailors lap up the Coast sun" 
So says the Sunshine Coast Daily in its tomorrow's edition (we bring you the news before it happens! - 23.54 GMT 30-12-05):
"You would have been hard-pressed to find a couple of blokes happier than Scotland?s Fynn Sterritt and England?s Ed Powys sailing off the Mooloolaba Beach during the Juniper Australian 420 championships yesterday. With the mercury hitting a chillingly cold minus 11 degrees in Sterritt?s native country, the 40-odd degree temperature difference would have taken some adjusting to, but one they were willing to make". Yeah, yeah! ...incognito indeed!

Again Australian Images ahead of Results! 
At 9.30 am this morning our man behind the lens said: "Another quiet day on the water with wind similar to yesterday @ 8 - 10 knots. Hopefully will build tomorrow - 20 knots predicted", Masses more photos at QuestPhoto, with several of our boys - some featured on this page this morning. Looks as though there may have been a hitch with results today.

Ed Powys & Fynn Sterritt in 6th after 3 races 
3 races now completed by end of Day 2.Our intrepid photographer, Peter Duncan, has been back in action - see http://www.questphoto.com/pd/gallery/default.html.

He does news too! He writes: "Gidday from down under.
Web site being updated as we speak with another day's sailing. Hazy conditions with breeze from 3 knots to peak of about 11. A fair few wind shifts slowed down proceedings somewhat, but sailors performed well. Good images in there of your sailor, in particular over the finish line. Should have more tomorrow. Weather here in early to mid thirties. No snow or ice!" We will bring some images here later, but get looking for yourselves - spot Ed & Fynn in action!

All good at Palam?s today 
Callum MacDonald/Matt Day added a 5th today to their 1st to bring them to 9th overall on Day 2 at the 30th Palam?s-Christmas Race. We await any results from Australia, though the (Scottish) bush telegraph suggests that our boys had encouraging results in the two races held on Day 1 (Wednesday).

Frances and Claire: our Christmas Crackers at Hayling 
Well, just when we thought all was 'down under', we have news of 420s out at Hayling - "sailed in breeze up to 20 knots, air temp, well, low!", says our man with the hip flask - Frances Peters & Claire Lasko divided the 505s, with a 3rd in the Hayling Island 2005 Christmas Cracker pursuit on Tuesday. Henry Maxfield (ensuring 29er representation apparently) and Georgie Andrew (with random crew?) were also brave enough! So who else has been sailing this hols? Maybe building up energy for the snow and bitter Easterlies at Grafham Water this weekend?

Callum & Matt score on Day 1 at Xmas (Palam?s) Race 
So these "retiring" 420 sailors thought they would slip out to the Costa Brava for the 30th Palam?s-Christmas Race on waters of Palam?s Bay (Girona) undetected! Well, we found them - with a win in Race 3 of Day 1 - and we wish them well for the event, which finishes on Friday.

Ed & Fynn have been out in Mooloolaba Bay 
Yesterday was practice day at the Australian Nationals. We have pictorial news, thanks to the official photographer, Peter Duncan. Unfortunately, he will not be there for Day 1 (sort of today?!), but will be back after that - hopefully we will get more conventional news from Day 1 (even though we are now told that Ed & Fynn are in Aus incognito!! So we are not supposed to be reporting? Oh yeah!). A full Photo Gallery is available on the International Class website (click on the flag, top right).

January Open Training... 
..will take place at Hayling Island SC on the weekend of 14/15 January 2006. Head coach - Graham Vials. Click title for application form, or download from the ?Events? or 'Training' pages. Please get your application in (to Yael Walsh, one form per sailor) as soon as possible and preferably before the end of the year so that we can plan coaches and RIBs.

French CIMA and Coupe Nationale 2006 dates announced 
The CIMA (Coupe Internationale de la M?dit?rann?e) will take place at Antibes Juans-les-pins (Yacht Club d'Antibes) from 20 to 24 April 2006. About 140 boats are expected to participate, including entries from other countries (e.g. Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Great Britain). Several GBR teams entered CIMA in 2005, after Ally & Maia's triumph in 2004. The NoR will be available in January (see links on Events Calendar).

The Coupe Nationale (French National Championship), which had a large GBR entry this year, will, in 2006, be held in Carnac from 8 - 14 July.

Stop Press: Ed sighted Down Under 
News is coming in that Ed Powys has been seen in the bay training for the Australian Nationals 2005/6. Early photographic evidence in Photo Archive. We expect to hear more from Mooloolaba soon.

Meanwhile, we have received the attached report from the 420 Class in Aus - includes website links.

Last call for Grafham Grand Prix 
New Year's Day, 420s sail in the double-handed Slow Handicap fleet, racing against Flying Fifteens, Laser 2000, Scorpion, N12, RS 200 etc ? there are two races back-to-back. Prepaid entries need to be in by Friday 23 December (no entries on the day), but you can fax/email an entry form to the Club, and phone up to pay by credit card!

Imperia 2005 
We were very sorry to hear that the 420s were not allowed to take to the water due to the storms. A trilogy of reports submitted by our special correspondent may be viewed by clicking on Complete News below and his and Elliott's photos are in the PhotoGallery.

Imperia - Day 3 
We were very sorry to hear that the 420s were not allowed to take to the water on Sunday. To complete his trilogy of reports, our Nico Martini (with the help of Ally's memory stick) has now filed his final report - his landlord joins the organisers is saying that these were unique conditions. Our previous reports may now be viewed by clicking on Complete News below.

Dismal news reaching us from Imperia 
It seems that a further storm blew in today (Sunday) leaving all classes on shore. Our thoughts are with the organisers and, especially, with all the competitors and their support teams. Travel home safely! Remember the chains if you divert via the ski slopes!

We have not heard from our intrepid reporter, Nico Martini, del lago di Club di Navigazione di Burghfield, today - we guess Ally & Harriette have 9.00 am lectures on Monday!

Congrats to Jon Gimson & Stu Bithell on their 1, 2 on Saturday in the 470s giving them overall win and Jonny McGovern & Tom Mapplebeck with a 3, 3 giving them overall 2nd. Commiserations to Luke Patience & Twig Gruber, with an ocs & a 1st!. 470s had only 19 male boats completing at least one race in a 30 boat field on Saturday, with only 6 of the 16 women entrants. Oh well....happy Christmas!

Frustrated GBR 420 sailors still waiting to get on the Ligurian Sea 
Another day at Imperia without racing for the 420s, although 470s had a challenging day with up to 30kn gusts. Nico Martini, our reporter on-the-spot, reports....

Too windy to sail at Imperia on Friday 
"Here a news of Imperia Winter Regatta. Too wind-no races!
"A stormy day in Imperia,and no races sailed today for the 235 boats that entered IWR. A very strong wind from North had been the protagonist. Race Committee tried to place a course to allow races for one class each time, but the wind increase again, so at 2.30 pm it had to cancel today races. So the three classes should wait for tomorrow to get first starting signal! Weather should be better tomorrow, with a less strong wind and a sunny day, allowing fleets to race enjoying our usual sailing conditions!" says Luigi Rognoni, Event Director. Our special correspondent on the waterfront reports (see linkl)

Worth waiting for: End of Season images 
Mike Shaw's massive Gallery of close-in shots at the End of Season is now available at Fotoboat.com. We feature some on this page and will hold a Photo Archive in due course.

RYA Women's Champs are back?.in May! 
The RYA is re-launching the Women?s Championships?.to be held at Hayling Island SC on 20th & 21st May 2006. And they want to hear from women sailors about what you want!?..to discuss ideas and ?to gauge the level of interest and likely entry numbers as this will help with planning the on-the-water coaching, video debriefs and evening socials?. Competitions supremo, Lucy Burn at RYA Racing awaits your call [Tel: 02380 604 168; email: [email protected]].

Imperia 420 entry tops 125 with 11 countries 
We send all our best to GBR Class members: James & Dan Ellis, Ben & Tim Saxton, Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber, Juliet Long & Kate Macgregor, Ffion Jenkinson (IRL), James Goss & Elliott Parsons and Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband.

2006 Sailing Calendar - Update 
Note that the Early spring regatta is cancelled. Looking forward to the Nationals, we have now published a Preliminary Notice of Race, and much information is available on the Llandudno SC website.

Imperia: Latest News: Big 420 Fleet 
With 10 Nations represented and over 90 boats entered, Imperia seems to be the place for 420s to be at the end of next week. We send all our best to GBR Class members entered: James & Dan Ellis, Ben & Tim Saxton, Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber, Juliet Long & Kate Macgregor, Ffion Jenkinson (IRL) and James Goss & Elliott Parsons. We plan to cover the event, but any contributions from those on the spot will be welcome as usual. No truth in the rumour that Jonny & Percy are sailing an ancient 420, in spite of the current entry list.

End of Season Regatta.. 
Win for Tom Mallindine/James Clark. The event was held at Rutland Water over the last weekend of November in a biting F3-4 north wind. Click for report and results. Day 1 pictures here and in Photo Archive

Princess Sofia announces 420s invited for 2006 
The Princess Sofia Trophy Regatta in Palma, Majorca ? one of the principal regattas on the Olympic Classes? circuit ? is inviting 420s, as well as Europes and Dragons, to participate in 2006. The Palma International Regatta will be held from 8 to 16 April. The NoRs are to be found on our Event Calendar. Although clashing with the RYA Youth Champs, this may interest older sailors. Many ex-420 sailors will be there with the Olympic Classes and have experience of this spring event.

Mallindine & Clark win EoS; Brewer & Richards come strong on Day2 

BUSA TR news?.well, mostly gossip so far! ?.except from BUSA Midlands at Grafham: 
Stop Press: we hear Tom Heywood & Rachel Wigmore steered Cambridge 1 & 2 respectively - and Chris Dodds & Hannah Burke, Nottingham 1 - through to the finals in April 2006! Woop for the "woop" generation!

Mallindine/Clark consolidate lead on Day 1 at EoS 

Tom & James hold after R2, Tiernan/Crapnell & Ainsworth/Husband challenge 
Tom & James hold overall 1st after Race 2, in spite of a 6th. Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes won race 1, but have 16 points. Stephen Tiernan & Jamie Crapnell took a 2nd to give themselves 2nd overall, and Sophie Ainsworth & Jasmine Husband, with a 3rd, also have 10 points. Robin & Matt and James & Dan Ellis are just behind on 12 points each.

Mallindine & Clark are back & in front 
Race 1 at the End-of-Season regatta at Rutland Water and Tom & James remain in good 420 form after a short break pursuing other interests. Richard Mason & Dan Schieber 2nd; Robin Stewart & Matt Forrester 3rd. ?.but it is early days?.

End of Season Regatta 
Hope everyone has a good journey to Rutland. Make your late entries at registration, and don't forget membership cards...

Top 420 teams dominate at Team Racing Champs 
Itchenor's Rob Struckett, Will Kalderon, Andrew Shaw, Jilli Darling, George Yeoman & Tom Hodkinson pulled through yesterday afternoon with 8/9 wins to take the Youth Champs from last year's Junior Champs, Grafham Gremlins (Ben Saxton, Hannah Diamond, Tim Saxton, Imogen Stanley, Claire Lasko & Frances Peters) and Magdalen School. Anyone notice....12 x 420 sailors in top 2 (who said they only do Fleet Racing!!).

And things are looking good for the future in the Juniors: Our James Peters led the combined Optimist/420 team, the Under 15 Misfits (evidently all have 420 potential) to victory as this year's Champions with a 100% scorecard! Team Warsash were 2nd (and there was a Diamond in there too!) and the Southerners in 3rd (with James Rusden & Pete Lawrence giving this Cadet Class team definite 420 leanings!).

Our Gremlins and Under 15 Misfits hold poll positions at midday 
At midday on Sunday, those Gremlins still retain the lead in the Youth TR Champs, with 100% score line, West Kirby 2 & Itchenor close behind with only one race lost each and Magdalen Coll Sch & West Kirby 1 a further race behind them.
In the Juniors, the Under 15 Misfits retain their lead with 8 wins, while Poole Yellow, Southerners & Lymington Lions each have 6 wins.
Continuous results to be found on Champoionship website - follow title link

News from Imperia 
?Just one month to the opening of Imperia Winter Regatta, and we already count very many entries, coming from 8 Nations, and lots of contacts and requests coming from other Countries are foretelling that 2005 edition will be another successful event.
?As usual the big fleet seems will be on 420, affirming IWR as one of the most popular event for this class. Austrian and Swiss crews are spending some days of training in our waters, joining our beautiful town and our wonderful weather conditions.?

Under 15 Misfits lead Poole YC Yellow; Grafham Gremlins lead Weapons of Mass Satisfaction overnight 
News from Grafham: ?The first day of racing has now been completed, 56 races were completed in the junior event and 60 races in the youth event. Overnight The Under 15 Misfits lead the Junior fleet with Poole YC Yellow in 2nd place. In the youth event the current championships Grafham Gremlins are in the lead followed closely by Weapons of Mass Satisfaction. This could all change in the morning as the youth fleet complete the round.?

Well, all good at Grafham! We have 420 interest in all these teams, and many more! - so go for it cannily on Day 2, and we will watch the special website for the results as they happen.

Twiname RYA Youth and Junior Team Racing Championships: on-line results service 
News from Ray Griffin: "There will be 48 teams taking part and, for the first time, we've had to turn late applicants away.....ALL race results will be posted continuously so that the result of a race will be published on the website BEFORE the boats have returned to shore". They're aiming to emulate 420 Class Race Management!

Photographs from Inlands 
We have received some of the photographs taken by Nick Champion at Grafham. These have been put in the Photo Archive, together with Charles Ainsworth's pictures which have been on the Rolling Photos. A selection of Nick Champion's are on the Rolling Photos on this page also. Individual sample prints are being posted to helms/crews.

NB all photographs used on the website are low resolution (particularly on the Rolling Photos on the News Page); light/contrast may have been modified. They are not samples of how the printed photograph would be produced by the photographer

Crew needed for the Team Racing Champs 
James Goss says a 420/Mirror team is looking for a crew for the Team Racing Champs..............could it be you? 420 Class honour at stake! See Message Board

420 sailors prepare for serious Team Racing at Twiname Champs at Grafham 
Reputations to be kept & made. Will ?mischievous sprites alleged to cause mishaps? (aka ?Grafham Gremlins?) last year?s Jnr Champs be on form in the Yths, or does age wither mischief making? Can Betty?s Buddies and Poole Youth raise their game from last year? With 420 sailors in so many teams: Lyme Regis, Yarmouth, Norfolk Broads, Weapons of Mass Satisfaction, Eastern Eagles, Sennockians (they have the in-Sain on board), Radley, The Pink Ladies, more Poolies and, even, the 420 Class itself, surely Spinnaker and W Kirby best watch out! Itchenor and Uppingham teams undeclared (it's all tactical!).

We have big interest in the Juniors: Becky?s Mates (a precious gem, indeed), The Under 15 Misfits, two Poole teams (well, one?s pretty much a 420 team really), The Southerners (Cadet team with serious 420 leanings!). But the Drowned Rats remain a mystery at this stage, and again there are Spinnaker and West Kirby to contend with!.

Weather stops BUSA, but another 420 pair found on podium 
Conditions at Portland - 50 knot gusts this morning - caused the cancellation of the Fleet Racing Champs. But we have additional news on yesterday's racing - the Firefly fleet did race too (see Saturday News). And veteran 420 sailor Chris Dodds, with Hannah Burke, of Nottingham took 3rd place and Alice Brotchie & Peggy Husband of Plymouth 9th, ahead of a galaxy of well-known 420 names.
We hear that Exeter won the team prize (again), with Southampton 2nd and Glasgow 3rd.

Three 420s in top 4 on Day 1 at BUSA! 
We have just received news from WPNSA - one race today (Saturday). Ian Dobson/Sam Maxfield (Soton) lead! James Goss & Robert Ozanne of Warwick 2nd, a Finn from Soton in 3rd and Sam Pearson/Toby Harris of Solent 4th in the Handicap Fleet. Mary Rook & Jez Fowke (Exeter) 6th in an Albacore. Certain 420s seem not to have made it to the finish....well, it is BUSA! Buzz on the street - "there have been breakages"!

420 sailors do it (again) in Laser 2s. Roger Carter & Sophie Esson (last year's winning crew) lead. Mark Stockbridge 10th and steering! But there do seem to be a VERY large number of non-finishers. Nothing to do with travelling down last night, of course! No word yet on the Fireflies.

News item issued by BUSA: "Having successfully completed one race in strong winds, many of the teams were relieved when racing was finished for the day. An early finish allowed teams to fix their boats before heading to the pub for a well deserved drink". Well lets hope 420 sailors clean-up tomorrow.

Imperia Winter Regatta 
We have received a notice of variation to the NoRs, together with information about the launch of an event website, available from this morning.

URGENT info for 420 BUSA Fleet racers - all 300+ 
We just had urgent & useful info from BUSA HQ re. changes to registration times, sail identifiers etc. (see link above), but also news of whopping turnout. A woop for all 420 sailors (especially those actually sailing 420s in the Handicap fleet, of course!). Take your cameras!

James Goss & Elliott Parsons: 420 Inland Champions 
With a 1st and 2nd in Races 5 & 6, Goss & Parsons overtook the previous day?s leaders, David Brewer & Oren Richards, who clocked a very creditable 2nd overall, with all races in top 10, including a bullet.

Further changes in the order on Day 2, brought James & Dan Ellis, also scoring a 1st and 2nd today, to 3rd overall, but 20 points behind Brewer/Richards. Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster had a better day and finished 4th, with Maria Stanley, having dusted off veteran crew, Phil Lasko, and achieving a 2nd on each day, took 5th overall.

Full report linked above; for results go to Results page.

Let?s hope James has got his Warwick Uni colleague and old 420 crew, Robert Ozanne, polished up for the BUSA Fleet Racing Championships next weekend!

420 sailors compete in 470 National Ranker: Nasher & Elliott in front again 
Former National 420 Champions, Nic Asher & Elliott Willis dominated (again!) at the Hoolt RYA Olymoic Classes National Ranker at Rutland. Luke Patience was 2nd and John Gimson/Stu Bithell 3rd.

Brewer/Richards still holding after 4, but Goss/Parsons back up to 2 
With the fourth races completed at Grafham this morning and a discarded 11th, James Goss & Elliott Parsons pulled back up to 2nd, 4 points behind Dave Brewer & Oren Richards. The James & Will Rusden and Oli Dix & Catherine Alton are on equal 16 points, followed by Juliet Long & Nicola Brook.

Brewer & Richards hold lead at Inlands tonight, but Rusdens pull forward in Race3 
David & Oren have an 8 point lead into Day 2 at the Inland Championships at Grafham Water SC, but James & Will took a 1st in R3 to pull up from 6th to 2nd overnight, on equal points with Dix & Alton. Goss/Parsons in 4th on 20; Long & Brook 5 (21 points), now have a 13 point lead over Weguelin/Hughes in 6th.

Some interesting top ten results in Race 3 from teams currently placed lower overall: Jodie Green/Lesley Bannister 2nd (27th overall), Peter Gray/Joe Adams 5 (17th), Owain Matthews/Joe Williams 7 (11th), Joanne Macdonald/Fynn Sterritt 8 (15th), Katie Tingle/John Downie (IRL) 9 (32nd) and Claire Walsh/Clare Best 10 (14th).

420 sailors also in tight tussle in 470 event at Rutland 
Meanwhile, close competition in 470s event up the road at Rutland this weekend. Nic Asher/Elliott Willis lead after 4 races, with Luke Patience and John Gimson/Stu Bithell each on 7 points. Christina Bassadone & Saskia Clark on 10. Neil Marsden/Ian Dobson and Jonny McGovern/Tom Mapplebeck on 16 each, with Callum Macdonald/Matt Day 1 point behind in this 15 boat Olympic Class National Ranker

Brewer & Richards lead after Race 2 at Grafham Inlands 
David Brewer & Oren Richards followed up a 3rd in R1 with a bullet in the second race today at Grafham Water SC. The James Goss/Elliott Parsons team reunited after their first weeks at uni, took a 1st in R1 and are in 2nd overall, with Olly Dix, teamed up with Catherine Alton, in 3rd ? a point ahead of Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes, also just a point ahead of Juliet Long & Nicola Brook and James & Will Rusden on equal points in 5th & 6th. Fifty-eight boats on the water today.

420 young turks and golden?.line up for BUSA Fleet Racing Champs 
Our 420 correspondent with the inside track reveals a tidy few 420 sailors in the entries to date?..and the final closing date is still to come on Tuesday (get ?em in?you know how!). See our pre-closure review linked above.

Life after.....? 
Our special correspondent at the Hayling/South Downs Open last weekend gives us an insight into life when 420 sailors have moved on.

David Kohler wins race in Scottish Champion of Champions 
Congratulations to 420 helm, David Kohler

Inland Championships: Important info about GWSC 
We are delighted that Grafham Water SC are hosting this year's Inlands this weekend. Competitors and their supporters - whether you are familiar with arrangements at Grafham or not - are asked to note the attached information (includes useful info on parking, launching, eating, drinking and sleeping - oh, and sailing).

Those members who have not yet renewed their annual membership, or only sent their renewal in on, or after, 24th October, please contact the Membership Secretary (who will not be at Registration) by phone asap [oh, for those over over 18 in this situation, it could mean a dry time off the water - possibly good for the performance on the water, of course!].

BUSA Fleet Racing Champs: Entry deadline this Thursday! 
We are hearing about lots of 420 sailors planning to sail the BUSA Fleet Racing Champs (and some keen teams!), but they've received few entries at BUSA HQ - closing date Thursday! (and only 5 days at the higher rate.....you must be rich!). We think this Champs is wide open...yeah! We shall report!

Recycling at Inlands...? 
Anyone have any sailing clothes to recyle? At registration, put any 'for-sale' clothes on the rail provided. Just safety-pin an envelope onto your outgrown garment with your name and the price that you want (cash only). We will do the rest. 15% of all cash received will go to the 420 class.

Inlands Update 
50 boats advance entered to date, need a few more to match last year's 65. Emailed entries (names and sail number) will be accepted, bring forms on the day. Draft Sailing Instructions and Abbreviated 'on-water' version published, see Events page for full information...

Training Weekend at Sunderland Yacht Club 
As some of you will be aware, as you move away from the South coast, there is a reduction in the number of weekend open and training events for 420?s. As a class we are aware of this and are taking steps to provide events, both for our existing members and to help encourage new sailors into the class.

The first of these events will be held on 12th and 13th November at Sunderland Yacht Club. The format will be training on Saturday and racing in the Frostbite Open on Sunday with briefing and debriefing etc. The plan is to make this part of a series with other weekends being held at various venues including West Kirby and Leigh and Lowton.

The cost for this weekend is ?30.00 per sailor. click title for entry form. In the meantime if you want to know more, or wish to reserve a place please e-mail Glyn Rawson at [email protected] or phone 01246 566414

420 sailors dominate at Oxford Schools 
Frances Peters & Claire Lasko (Oxford High) took triple bullets at Farmoor last weekend, yeah! Nigel Vick's report suggests Sophie Weguelin & Imogen Stanley (representing Rye St Anthony) were too enthusiastic at the start of Race 1, but stuck to 2s thereafter, but our ("interested"!) correspondent suggests that they went kite shredding in R1 and had to retire (further rumours suggest that they had got an appetitte for kites by then!). Messrs Sam Petty (3) and Alex Gilbert (4) ? both representing Radley College - took the next two slots - just a shame that they went with the Laser Radial!

We are delighted to see that discriminating sailors at Magdalen College School and Radley College: Henry Fletcher & Ben Heaney (7th!) and Ross Culbertson & Toby Chew (21) respectively also sailed 420s in this 50-boat event. See Oxford SCs super Coach/Jury Nigel Vick?s report at http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/?article=19364. All good in Oxford, evidently!

Calling all 420 students: BUSA Fleet Racing Champs 
Hope everyone got selected and all that. We await news of our 420 sailors now at Uni! In the meantime, we see that BUSA has a new website and today issued a reminder about entries for the Fleet Racing Champs at WPNSA on 5 & 6 November. News item linked above, but full info & entry forms are at: http://www.busa.co.uk/downloads.php. NB deadlines (worse than assignments!)

In 2004, Gemma Frier & Sophie Esson (Glasgow) won the Laser2 Class. Laurie Fitzjohn-Sykes & Tom Heywood (Cambridge) (RS800) were 4th in the Handicap; Ally Martin & Eamonn King (Southampton; 420) took 7th, beating cousin Ian Martin & Nicky Macgregor (London) (8), Jo Brigg & Mickey Broughton (Southampton; 420) (12) and Charlotte Savage (Bristol; 420) (14). Nick Cherry took 5th in a Firefly. and in 2005......

Are you voting? 420 Nationals pics in shortlist for Fotoboat Calendar 
You may be interested to know that images from this year's Nationals at WPNSA has been short listed for admission to next year's sailing calendar. Their progression towards the final 13 images can be enhanced by voting for them on the fotoboat.com website. The more votes, the more chance of them reaching the calendar! Also, do you want a Class calendar? Get everyone voting!

Poole Open photos from Mike Millard 
We feature some of Mike's pictures here and a selection is in the Photo Archive. The full gallery is at http://mikemillard.com/

Inland Championship - Enter Now 
Next Class Major event on 29 & 30 October, at Grafham Water SC. It's time to get your entry in and avoid late entry fees; information and entry form on Events page

Gillard & Foskett take 4th at Symmetric Grand Prix 
Tom Gillard & James Foskett (Staunton Harold) achieved 4th place (behind a couple of 505s and a Fireball) in the Symmetric Grand Prix at Rutland - the first SGP to which 420s had been invited by FastSail. Tom & James were 1st in R1 & 2nd in R5. Peter Gray & Jo Adams of Northampton SC were 15th in this 54 boat event. The Fireballs won overall, followed by the 505s, Javelin, Osprey, Hornet, Flying Dutchman & Laserr II; the 420s & 470 had insufficient entries to be given a Class placing.

21 420 sailors in MR Champs: Mark C-J wins 
This weekend?s RYA National Match Racing Championship Final saw a dominant display from Mark Campbell-James and his team, who were crowned champions having only lost one race in the whole event. Nick Cherry took 4th in the 12 boat Championship. We found at least 21 420 sailors taking part: Mark Campbell-James, Sam Carter, Nick Cherry, James Roche, Claire Paramore, Tom Heywood, Bethan Carden, Lucy Macgregor, Nicola Macgregor, Jools Scott, Pippa Wilson, Richard Mason, Sam Pearson, Dan Schieber, Robbie Allam, Ian Dobson, Mary Rook, Andy Tunnicliffe, Jo Macdonald, Gemma Farrell, Rachel Larman. Will you be Match Racing next year?

James & Dan win Poole Open 
The Ellis team (RPlymouthCYC), following 2nds at Lymington and at Burnham (and with James' 1st at Poole Youth), took the Poole Open with a 6-point lead this weekend. Josh Rumbol & Tom Davidson sorted the honour of Poole YC, by pulling up from day 1 with a 1st & 2nd on Day 2, to finish the event in 2nd place. Andrew Shaw & Will Smyth (Itchenor), with a 1st in the last race, held onto their overnight 3rd place, and Sophie Weguelin (R Lymington) & Katrina Hughes (Corinthian Otters) held 4th place. Claire Walsh & Clare Best (Barnt Green SC) rose to 5th overall . Rob & Tom were black flagged in the last race, which, with their DNC in the 1st discarded, dropped them from 2nd overnight to 12th.

Videlo team takes 12th at Endeavour Trophy 
Stephen, 2005 Cadet Champion and 420 member, pulled through overnight to take 12th, ahead of our Matt Burge & Chris Evans in 14th, in turn just ahead of Tim Saxton, crewing the Phantom Nat Champ. Impressive mid-field achievement in the event for National Champions - seasoned campaigners and well-known names sprinkling the results table..

Our Matt & Chris in 14th overnight in Champions' Endeavour Cup 
After 5 races, Matt Burge & Chris Evans are in 14th place, having clocked up an excellent 5th in R4. Tim Saxton, crewing for Phantom Nat Champ is one ahead, while Stephen Videlo, Cadet Nat Champ, is in 18th. Have you seen the galaxy of talent?! Finn Nat Champ, Nick Craig, is running 1st; Goodie is in 6th. Woop for our boys!

James & Dan are leading at Poole tonight! 
James & Dan Ellis (RPCYC) are 2 points ahead of Rob Struckett & Tom Hodkinson (Itchenor SC) (4 points), with Andrew Shaw & Will Smyth in 3rd on 7 points. Sophie Weguelin (RLYC) & Katrina Hughes (Corinthian Otters), on the same points, are in 4th, while Sophie Ainsworth (Bewl Valley SC) & Jasmine Husband (RLYC) are on 9 points - and there is a lot of pressure close behind! What will Sunday bring?

420 National Champs compete for Endeavour Trophy 
Matt Burge & Chris Evans compete this weekend in the RCYC Endeavour Trophy at Burnham for the 420 Class against other National Champions this weekend. Our spies tell us that Stephen Videlo (Cadet National Champion) and Tim Saxton (crewing for Phantom Nat Champ) will be there too. They will all be racing in the new Topper Topaz Xenon.

With four boats at the Symmetric Grand Prix and no doubt lots of 420s at Poole, looks like there will be much action to report on this weekend! Meanwhile, a big woop! for Matt & Chris.

Fotoboat 2006 Calendar Competition 
Have you seen Fotoboat?s 2006 Calendar Competition? There seem to be quite a few votes already. The shoot-out is underway, so get voting!

Alongside the production of the main, web viewer-selected calendar, Fotoboat is also offering to produce calendars for the main classes photographed this year. 15 or more emails for a class will secure production of a class calendar apparently.

420s go East in October! - n.b. changed venue for Inlands to Grafham 
After the successful Itchenor Open this weekend, you have a choice between the Poole 420 Open or the new Symmetric Grand Prix at Rutland Water SC on 8 & 9th.

A new fixture for us is at Stone SC on 15 & 16 September? last minute preparation for the Inlands? Stone is on the River Blackwater (East of Malden in Essex) and claims great sailing conditions at all states of the tide. Jodie Green country!

The Autumn Class Training Camp in half term week (24 ? 28 October) is a must for improvers and newer entrants to the Class. Have you booked your place?

Then a short way down the A1 to the Inland Championships on 29 ? 30th at Grafham Water SC. NB this change of venue. Please get your entries in now and not at the last minute.....please!

Rob Struckett & Tom Hodkinson win Itchenor Open 
Rob and Tom posted a convincing win at their home club. Itchenor put on their usual varied range of courses in Chichester Harbour, in blustery conditions. With an entry of 40 boats, it was a big success. Owain Matthews & Joe Williams of West Kirby SC took 2nd, after a 1st in the last race. 420 newcomers, Tom Gillard & James Foskett of Staunton Harold SC were 3rd, Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes of Royal Lymington 4th and Andrew Shaw & Will Smyth of Itchenor were 5th

Struckett & Hodkinson lead on Day 1 of Itchenor Open 
Home team, Rob & Tom have an 8-point lead into Day 2. Lymington sailors, Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes (who took the first race from Rob & Tom) are in second, but on equal points with another Itchenor team, Andrew Shaw & William Smyth. However, it looks like new 420 sailors Tom Gillard & James Foskett of Staunton Harold SC are ones to watch, only 2 points behind in 4th. Matthew Rainback seems to be working his crew, Matt Burge, to position this Poole YC team in 5th tonight. 36 boats took to Chichester Harbour today. Looks like the RO had recourse to the Black Flag in R 2 & 3, so we may see some changes if/when a discard kicks in on Sunday. See Results on Events Page.

A busy 420 October ahead 
Regular musts in 420 calendar: Itchenor Open next week & Poole (where? Oh, where the Poole YCs are always hammering on about!) on 8 & 9. Unfortunate clash here with the Symmetric Grand Prix at Rutland Water, same weekend! (see Y&Y preview linked to separate news item). A new fixture on 15 & 16 September at the Stone SC Open ? last minute preparation for the Inlands?

The Autumn Class Training Camp in half term week is a must for improvers and newer entrants to the Class ? ask anyone who has been before (oh! - they've probably already booked in again ? last year we were oversubscribed ? so get your booking in smartish!)

And at the end of the month is the next Class major event - the Inland Championship. Note that this is now at Grafham Water SC. Entries are already coming in, so submit yours soon to meet the deadline.

Symmetric Grand Prix at Rutland Sailing Club ? Preview 
This is the first time 420s have been invited by Fast Sail to join in, following contacts made at the 2005 Tiger Trophy. Some have already entered; will you be at Rutland Water SC on 8 & 9 October? - see links to NoRs etc. on Events Page (Y&Y preview linked here). NB Fast Sail was set up in 2003 by the Hornet, Javelin, 505, Fireball, 470, Osprey and Flying Dutchman Classes, and this year they invite 420s & Laser 2s to join them in their Symmetric Grand Prix. More at: http://www.fastsail.org/

Open Class Training - Hayling Island - 24 & 25 September: FULLY SUBSCRIBED 
This weekend is now fully subscribed, and no further applications can now be accepted. Please ensure that your application for the Autumn Training Camp at Rutland is in early!

420 triumph at Southport 24-hour Race: 3rd out of 77! 
Our magnificent Class team bring back great honours from Southport [well, Tunners & Dobbo took the silverware, somewhere) - and they did it in a GP14! Winners of the Warren Cup, the Dog Watch Trophy (Dusk Race), the Midnight Cup, and the Don Ibbetson Trophy (leading boat at 2.00 am) and others! Well., what do you expect, very good at night....but need to work on the mornings!

Matt Burge, Ben Ainsworth, Tom Heywood, Tom Mapplebeck, Alice Rooke, Andy Tunnicliffe, Ian Dobson, Twiggy Grube, Christian and Niki Birrell (temporarily released from his chimney), with a decisive guest appearance from Stu Bithell, perfected the hi-speed relay changeover on the reach. Ben has subsequently described the whole thing as a practice race for next year. http://24-hour-race.wlyc.org.uk/

Sophie & Katrina lead International Otters 
For a right Royal Weekend at Burnham, Sophie Weguelin of Royal Lymington and Royal Corinthian super-crew, Katrina Hughes won this year?s Otter Open, with James & Dan Ellis of the Royal Plymouth Corinthian in 2nd and Nikolaas van der Loock & Mathieu Sevnaeve of the Royal Belgian YC in 3rd. Tom Makey & James Wade kept the Otter end up too with a 4th, keeping the slightly less Royal James Goss & Elliott Parsons of Burghfield in 5th, on the same points as Exeter & Southampton Freshers, Jodie Green & Will Morgan. Mandy reports ?We had a really good weekend, sunshine and gentle breeze, we could have done with more as the tide was strong but enough to get the races in, buzzing social in the evening as expected at the RCYC! The Belgians were great and plan to come again?. See photos in new Photo Archive.

Poole Youth Open 
Results for the 420 class - win for James Ellis with Sophie Weguelin in 4 race series.

420 helm Rachel Wigmore shows how at RS Youth Nationals 
Rachel Wigmore, with Lucy Matthews, (curiously listed with a prize age of 99) ?convincingly won the racing and (were) 1st female team? at the RS Youth Nationals (in spite of a black flag on the last day ? so competitive!). RS Feva Euro Champs, Frances Peters & Claire Lasko, following their recent appearance at the 420 Nationals, were 3rd. New 420 helm, Graham Rome was 7th at the event held at Oxford SC

Events this month 
Much recommended on the Message Board, it is happening in Poole this weekend! On 16/17 September, there is a Traveller at Lochaber. For all, see Events Page

Special notice received regarding the annual Otter Open on 17 & 18 September. Burnham goes International with Belgian contingent expected. Always a great event (especially with Mandy Wade's social & organisational skills!), here is an opportunity for international competition on our doorstep. Flyer attached; NoRs etc on Events Page.

New Pics from Nationals & Lymington 
Additional pictures supplied by Charles Ainsworth of http://waveimages.co.uk/ have been put up on this page. Just keep clicking - you or yours might be there!

Mallindine & Clark lead 30-boat Harken Open at Lymington 
Tom & Clark won this weekend?s meeting at Lymington with James & Dan Ellis 2nd, Richard Mason & Dan Schieber 3rd and Charlotte Lawrence & Poppy Husband 1st Ladies, together with several recent entrants to the Class in the top 10.
Report attached; for full results, see Results page

420 sailors do it at Youth Match Racing Champs.....again 
Ian Dobson took 2nd place to one-time 420 sailor, Simon Wheeler?s team in the last race of the weekend at the RYA Youth Match Racing Championships in Portland Harbour on Bank Holiday Monday,

Simon Wheeler?s victorious team included Tristan Jaques (who took 10th with Jonny McGovern at the 420 Nationals last week), Sam Pearson and Robbie Allam. Ian Dobson, in his first MR Champs, lead a crew of Andy Tunnicliffe, Nikki Birrell, Mary Rook & Christian Birrell. In 3rd place, Richard Mason?s team were Charlotte Lawrence, Georgie Blaver-Mann, Dan Schieber & Elliott Parsons. Ben Ainsworth led the 4th team, with Jo Brigg, Hannah Mills, Peggy Webster & James Wade. The other helms in the competition included: Guy Brearey, Ed Powys & Oli Dix, all recruiting 420 sailors to their teams.

31 of the 40 sailors competing are current members of the 420 Class. The top two teams are invited to the National MR Champs and other teams may enter the remaining qualifiers; Simon Wheeler is invited to compete in New Zealand..

Burge & Evans National Champions; Mills & Webster Ladies Champions 
At the end of a largely "stunning week's sailing at WPNSA, Matt Burge & Chris Evans (Poole YC), who had led the Championships most of the way - but after strong challenges on the last day from Tom Mallindine & James Clark (2nd overall - Corus SC), Ally Martin & Ian Dobson (3rd - Burghfield SC) and, especially Ed Powys & Will Morgan (4th = Restronguet SC), were crowned 2005 National Champions. Richard Mason were 5th (R Lymington YC ); James & Dan Ellis 6th (R Plymouth CYC). Hannah & Peggy (Corus SC), the Ladies Champions, were 7th overall.

The Final Results are attached. To review the many News items during the Championships, click on "Complete News" below.

PROVISIONAL TOP CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS 
Provisional we have the top 5 as: 1. Burge/Evans; 2. Mallindine/Clark; 3. Martin/Dobson; 4. Powys/Morgan; 5. Mason/Scheieber. This is PROVISIONAL! Full provisional results soon! Meanwhile, there are still boats coming home!

STOP PRESS: Powys & Morgan win last race of Championships 
More news to follow! Breeze of 20 knots for racing today......we await overall results. Watch the Events page for first sight!!

Awesome pictures from 420 Nationals 
We have had 3, yes 3, professional photographers on the course this week. Their work is available, or will be available, variously to view and to buy!

Steve Bell of fotoboat was here on Tuesday (the Struckett RIB), took 400 pics and will have these on the www.fotoboat.com website soon
Paul Wyeth (the black RIB) was here on Tuesday and again on Thursday for the first two races ? came off excited with ?stunning conditions ? lots of spray?. He will be there after sailing/before the Prizegiving on Friday. Photos will also appear on his website next week.
Charles Ainsworth has already set up a show of his pics on his impressive widescreen in the Canteen.

Charles Ainsworth http://waveimages.co.uk/wav_images.html
Steve Bell http://www.fotoboat.com
Paul Wyeth http://www.pwpictures.com

Powys & Morgan win Race 11 
Burge & Evans have reduced overall lead of only 4 points ahead of Mallindine & Clark.

Exciting stuff here!

Mallindine & Clark win first race on last day 
Tom & James took Race 10 this morning. Results were put up on Events from the water.

The fleet were released at 10.30 am and last warning signal must be before 15.25, but the aim is to complete two further races (Race 2 now nearly finished (13.00 hours) - news when we have it).

Race 9 (that's the Burge/Evans win today) posted from Condor 
Quote of the day from the finish line. As Catharine Alton complained at being T-bagged, Robyn Stock said something to the effect: "....serves you right for being annoying!" - see you at "Pirates of the Caribbean come to Weymouth"

Championship leaders, Burge & Evans win Race 9 
STOP PRESS: Last race for today won by Matt Burge & Chris Evans. Fleet coming off the water (15.30 BST) after concentrated day's sailing in 15 - 25 knots: "bright sunshine, good wind; real classic sailing....stunning", said PRO.

Results to Race 8 attached in Championship ranking order.

Ed Powys & Will Morgan make it a double! 
Race 8 results up - NB currently showing R8 ranking order, not Championship (will be altered shortly).

Another triumph for Ed & Will, but a 2nd for the Scots too! Fynn Sterritt & Matt Day best results after their 3rd in R6. Burge & Evans took a 3rd and retain overall lead after R8 by 18 points from Tom Mallindine & James Clark, who were 4th in R8. Novice 420 helm, Tristan Jaques, with ISAF Youth Bronze (2004) 420 helm, Jonny McGovern, took 5th (so these 470 sailors can still hack it, yeh!)

Powys & Morgan win Race 7 
Ed & EWill were followed by Ally Martin & Ian Dobson 2nd, Tristan Jaques & & Jonny McGovern, recently returned from the Baltic, 3rd, Tom Mallindine & James Clark, our men from Busan, 4th and Fynn Sterritt & Matt Day 5th. Championship leaders, Burge & Evans, with a 6th, retain a 23 point lead after the first race of this "stunning" day on Portland Harbour

This is Ed & Will's day! Bullets in R7 & R8! "Woop!" (they said) 
We know you are out there following the news - in the Channel Islands & the USA, at least! (thanks for the support) - so you will have seen that Race 7 results went up on Events Page from the Race Committee direct from Portland Harbour a while back.

Ed Powys & Will Morgan have a double bullet already today! - Race 7 and, STOP PRESS, they took Race 8 too! (full results will take a little while)

Sailing inside Portland Harbour today. Wind is settling a bit after first two races (and shifting around a bit) after 13 retired in R7/8, but some boats returning to the fray. Course being relayed for Race 9 after wind shift as at 14.00. R9 started at 14.12

Windy Weymouth! 
The weather from the front earlier predicted for last night and this morning, has actually continued to build all day. A wind of 30+, with gusts approaching 50 knots, ensured that there was no sailing at the 420 Nationals today (Wednesday). We are currently anticipating for tomorrow 15 ? 20 knots Westerly in the morning and 20 ? 25 knots in the afternoon.

Arising from various amendments to earlier results, revised Provisional Results are attached.

Tom Mallindine & James Clark win Race 6 
Tom Mallindine & James Clark took Race 6, and, with the discard kicking in, hold their 4th position overall into Day 3. But the order at the top changes around them. Burge & Evans retain overall lead, with a 2nd in R6 and have a 17 point lead in the overall rankings, although the points are close in the top 15. Martin & Dobson are 2nd overall and James & Dan Ellis move up to 3rd, one point behind them.

In Race 6, Fynn Sterritt & Matt Day achieved a 3rd, with Tom Makey & James Wade 4th. Mason & Schieber's 5th place puts them 5th overall, but on the same points as Struckett & Hodkinson, and 2 points ahead of Mills & Webster.

With the Protest Committee still holding hearings after 21.00 tonight, remember, as always, the attached results are provisional! With a constantly changing picture of the weather forecast for tomorrow, we will have to see what the early morning predictions are.

Nationals Results after R6 
Race results posted by Race Committee from Weymouth Bay via GPRS, no need to be at WPNSA...

STOP PRESS: Mallindine & Clark win Race 6 
....though it will be quite a while before we get full results - its a long sail back to WPNSA!

Burge & Evans strengthen lead 
Matt Burge & Chris Evans decisively won Race 5, building further their lead of 24 points over Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster in the cumulative results of the Championships, followed in 3rd by Ally Martin & Maia Walsh, one point ahead of Ally Martin & Ian Dobson in 4th overall.

In Race 5, Ally & Ian were 2nd, but Robyn Stock & Catherine Alton - the latter still fired with her Bronze in the Worlds at Brest, we assume! ? took a 3rd, Richard Mason & Dan Schieber 4th, and Rob Struckett & Tom Hodkinson 5th.

.....as they came across the line, Matt Burge & Chris Evans, managed to say to our correspondent on the water: ?Big Courses for Big Boys!? before?..we await results from Race 6 which is just finishing at 18.00. More to follow!

"Big Courses for Big Boys!" (to R5 results now attached) 
.....as they came across the line after a decisive win in the 5th race, Matt Burge & Chris Evans, current leaders in the Championships, had only this to say to our correspondent on the water!

Provisional results up to Race 5 now posted

Martin & Dobson triumph in Race 4 in Weymouth Bay 
Stunning conditions as the Fleet took to Weymouth Bay for the second day of the 420 Nationals this morning. Race 1 saw Ally Martuin & Ian Dobson romp home 1st, followed by Matt Burge & Chris Evans (current leaders in the Championships) and James & Dan Ellis 3rd, Oli Dix & Sam Maxfiled 4th and Robin Stewart & Matt Forrester 5th. The "stunning" weather is good for all here (even those on shore!) after greyer skies yesterday and the threatened low tomorrow. Woop!

Burge & Evans and Mills & Webster hold top slots overnight 
Matt & Chris are on 14 points after 3 races, with Hannah & Peggy on 16 after 3 races the first day at the 2005 British National Championships at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. Ben Ainsworth & Maia Walsh have taken over 3rd place with 19 points from Rob Struckett & Tom Hodkinson, on 20. Tom Mallindine & James Clark, 2005 ISAF Youth Bronze winners, lie 5th on 28 points.Tom Makey & James Wade 6, Ally Martin & Ian Dobson 7, Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes 8, Jo Macdonald & Laurie Marsden 9 and, slowed a little from their initial bullseye, Richard Mason & Dan Schieber in 10th. But much of the excitement is to be found elsewhere in the attached results. A galaxy of experienced 420 sailors, new talent from several Classes and other newcomers join some interesting partnerships for this event in a line-up of 96 boats!

Changing fortunes at Nationals: Burge & Evans lead after Race 2 
All results are first appearing on the Event page, loaded directly by the Race Committee from the sea. We are trying to keep up on land!

After Race 2, Matt Burge & Chris Evans of Poole YC, this year's Flanders Champions, have taken the lead in the 96-boat Championship. Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster of Corus SC step up to 2nd, with Rob Struckett & Tom Hodkinson of Itchenor SC 3rd

Terrific start to record Nationals: Mason & Schieber take 1st race 
A record (in the memory of most) 96 boats took to the water in Portland Harbour this morning. Richard & Daniel, undiminished by their long journey journey from Garda & still celebrating their Silver in the Junior Europeans, took the first race. The Ellis brothers were 2nd and Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster were 3rd

Mason & Schieber take silver at 2005 Junior Europeans 
Another exciting day at Lake Garda to bring this excellent Championships to a conclusion. The Rahier brothers (FRA) took the title, but Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber came 2nd, just 2 points behind the leaders and on equal points with, but leading on countback from, Kenneth Rumball & David Moran (IRL). They were 1 point ahead of another French team in 4th, with our Tom Mallindine & James Clark in 5th. Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster took the Ladies? title in 7th place overall. Ed Powys & Will Morgan were 11th, James Goss & Elliott Parsons 12th, Tom Makey & James Wade 18th and the Ellis brothers 21st, all in the 54 strong Gold Fleet. A big woop for TeamGBB and, especial congratulations to Richard & Daniel!

Fraglia della Vela seem to have recruited Mark Rushall as special correspondent today, so his report is attached. The Final Results are posted on our Results page.

We await the full inside story on the week when everyoone gathers in Weymouth this weekend. Travel safely. The Chief Measurer is waiting

Sailors Meeting at the Nationals 
On the Sunday of the Nationals, Ally Martin will be holding a sailors' meeting, and she is hoping that you will all try to be there. This is an opportunity for you to express your views and hear the sailors' subcommittee thoughts on the organisation of the class. One of the issues they wish to raise is that of team selection. The link will take you to a document giving the two sides of the discussion. It would be good if you could find time to read them before coming to the meeting.

All hangs on last day at 2005 Junior Euros 
Hey, some excitement for Friday on Lake Garda! 2 points separate top 3 at Junior Euros. The Rahier brothers still in lead, but GBR Class member, Kenneth Rumball & David Moran (IRL) only one point behind. Another point, and our guys, Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber go into final day in third place. Tom Mallindine & James Clark at 6th; Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster at 7th. All close in the next 5, with Ed Powys & Will Morgan on equal points with the World Champions! Tom Makey & James Wade and James Goss & Elliott Parsons also all in top 20. - all to play for on Friday!

An email from Lake Garda ... 
Just back from Garda (to collect the A level results!) so thought I would pen a few words for the site.
A fantastic venue to sail with friendly helpful Club, good hotel a short walking distance from the Club, pizzas extraordinaire and, to date, good water organisation which has allowed the racing to return to schedule in spite of the absence of the predicted Ora wind some afternoons. The early morning northerly wind from the mountains has appeared resulting in an 8am first start on 3 of past 4 mornings. 5.45 wake up, 6am breakfast in sailing kit and launch before 7 ? whilst ashore in the middle of the day on two of those early starts racing has also not finished until late afternoon! Team spirit is good ? no doubt numerous stories to tell on their return. Meantime go Team GBR for the last two days and good luck to those 11 who have A and AS results today.
Mary Makey

Thanks, Mary, good to hear from an experienced campaigner! We have certainly had a great response from Fragla di Riva ? 420 web admin v

Going to Uni? You need Team Racing training 
Are you going to Uni this year? Do you want to join your University Sailing Club and continue sailing? Then you will need to learn, or brush up on, your team racing skills. Most Universities hold selection trials early in the first term, so, if you want a head start, this training will be invaluable.

The RYA is organizing 2-day training sessions in early September at West Kirby in the North and Spinnaker in the South in early September to give you some of the skills necessary for team racing. Attached are the training dates, plus an application form. ?Kick start? your year by booking now!

After 4 races today, FRA 1st & 2nd; GBR in on 3rd & 4th 
Press report suggests a day to remember on Garda, with good sun & wind. Richard (Mason) & Daniel are in 3rd and Tom (Mallindine) & James up in 4th. Exciting stuff. See event website for details & results. More pics keep coming through - what a prolific photographer! Go well all GBR!

Mason & Schieber lead at end of first day of Finals 
After two races of qualifiers early this morning, the Gold Fleet managed a further two races after lunch. Richard & Daniel carry a 5 point lead over Abady & Vishilzki of Israel into Final R4 tomorrow. Tom Mallindine & James Clarke are in 5th, Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster in 7th and Ed Powys & Will Morgan in 13th.

NB GBR pics on GBR PhotoGallery as well as various on International Class website

Junior & Youth Coaches Course 
...to be held by RYA Coaching Development at WPNSA from 19th-23rd September. Details in the attached flyer.

Youth Match Racing Championships 
Right after the Nationals, at WPNSA, come the Youth MR Championships, over the Bank Holiday weekend. Last year they were oversubscribed (and 420 sailors were everywhere! aren't they always?). Anyway there are places for teams remaining. If you are in the Youth Squad, but do brill at the YMR and get through to the final rounds on Monday, Simon says this is OK! Anyone interested in getting a team together, call Jessica Mapplebeck, RYA Keelboat Racing on 023 8060 4167 or e-mail: [email protected] now. This is where you learn how Ben won gold at the 2000 Olympics!

Provisional Results of Jnr Euros Qualifying Series 
....back on the water after lunch (no signal before 2.00 pm local time) to start Final Series. Outstanding protests do not affect Gold Fleet.

All 7 GBR boats qualify in Gold Fleet - Richard Mason in 3rd. 
After another dawn start (7am launch) the final 2 qualifying races were completed this morning, and there should be 2 final series races this afternoon.

Richard (Mason) & Dan qualify in 3rd overall; Tom (Mallindine) & James 6th; Ed (Powys) & Will 8th; Hannah (Mills) & Peggy are top girls at 15th; James (Goss) & Elliott 21st; James & Dan Ellis 24th; Tom (Makey) & James 41st.

This qualifying position now converts to a single (discardable) "race" in the final series.

Oren Richards does it in Folkboat Nationals 
Life arranged itself very nicely for Oren Richards last weekend. He borrowed his Dad?s Folkboat, La Vie s?Arrange. With David Brewer in the crew, he just missed winning the Folkboat National Championship at the Royal Solent YC, by one point to leader, Tak, thus coming a very creditable second in the Championship against a strong fleet of experienced sailors. He won 2 of the 7 races, which none of the others managed, giving him 2nd to Crackerjack's 3rd on equal points. Close call at the top!

GBR team all on track for Gold Fleet after 3 races Sunday at Lake Garda 
After a dawn start (7am launch) in an attempt to catch up on lost races, 3 races were completed in the morning before the fleet came ashore for lunch.

There was no racing in the afternoon as the rain came and killed the wind. So after a bank holiday / lay day Monday, there will be another 7am start for two more qualifying races on Tuesday, and hopefully the real Gold/Silver fleet racing will start on Tuesday afternoon.

After 4 races, Hannah (Mills) & Peggy are 5th; Tom (Mallindine) & James 10th; Richard (Mason) & Dan 11th; James (Goss) & Elliott 13th; Ed (Powys) & Will 33rd; James & Dan Ellis 34th; Tom (Makey) & James 39th. The Gold Fleet cutoff is 54th, so all are well on track to qualify.

NB Photographs from today, FVR Press Release etc. available via International 420 website: http://www.420sailing.org/ in addition to link above

Ed & Will bullseye in Race 1 of Jnr Euro Qualifiers 
Ed Powys & Will Morgan scored a 1st in R1 on the first day at Riva del Garda. Thomas & Mathieu Rahier of France lead the other Qualifier (the boats are divided into 4 groups and alternate racing in pairs). Tom Mallindine & James Clark took 9th and Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster were 15th.

NB more pictures carried on International Website: http://www.420sailing.org/ and on event website (link above)

Racing starts at Euros 
"All the fleets left the shore at 12.00 for the first warning signal given
punctually at 13.00.
1 race sailed for both fleets with changeable wind conditions between 12/14
knots. At 14.00 the RC due to a upcoming thunderstorm hoisted N over H, all
boat went ashore." Results awaited.
Wet sailors at the Club waiting for the final signal???? that was given at
16.30 with N over A. So no more race for today.

Henry & Gareth win at Chichester Fed Week 
Henry Maxfield & Gareth Evans won the Medium Handicap fleet this week at Chichester Harbour Federation Week. In second place, Frances Peters & Claire Lasko, current National and European RS Feva Champions, were also in a 420. Performance 420 sailors rule OK!

Hannah Diamond 4th in Optimist Nationals 
Our Hannah took 4th and Matt Rainback was just behind in 5th. Phil Sparks of Lymington is National Champion, with Lucy de Boltz (a Corinthian Otter that sounds familiar) in silver. Our Tom Willis, preparing for his 2nd 420 Nats, with a tiny bit more weight added for 420 purpose, did good to take a 3rd in Race 3 to bring him back to 11th overall. Woop for all Optimist sailors (especially those who sail 420s!)!

420 sailors do it in GP14s.....! 
Ian Dobson & Andy Tunnicliffe took 3rd in the GP14 Nationals at Poole this week, and Matt Burge & Simon Wheeler came 7th. ?Out of Control? acted out-of-character and Andy & Alison (?see you at the Nats!?) Alison won the Silver Fleet!

Our Josh Rumbol 4th at Mirror Worlds 
The Mirror Worlds Champions 2005 are Ross kearney & Adam McCullogh. Top 20 placings (out of a field of over 100) for GBR420 sailors: Josh Rumbol (4), Juliet Long (5), Nicola Brook (11), Emma Houlihan (12), Anna Mackenxie & Holly Scott (14), Eloise & Kayleigh Hansen (17) and Kate Macgregor & Georgie Akin-Smith (18). See all you guys at the Nats!

Racing about to start at 2005 Europeans 
ISAF/Event Media Press release with detailed info attached.

With the Opening Ceremony and Measurement through, the serious action begins on Saturday. Meanwhile, our on-the-spot reporter's verdict so far:
"Venue: Beautiful
Weather: Hot & Sunny
Wind: 20 - 25 Knots every day so far
Food: Terrific
Beer: Plentiful
Not surprisingly everyone is having a good time!"
Further news & pictures on International Class website: http://www.420sailing.org and event site: http://www.fragliavelariva.com/

Hannah running 4th at Optimist Nationals 
After 8 races, Musto reports Hannah Diamond in 4th place, with Matt Rainback 5th and Tom Willis in 15th.

Matt Rainback holding 2nd at Optimist Nats 
Matt Rainback was in 2nd at Optimist Nationals after 3 races. Tom Willis is showing as 11th. But our special correspondent at the Championships suggests that there may have been a further race not yet showing on the Musto results board, involving Tom in a BFD! The tension mounts.

Our guys still there in Mirror Worlds 
Well, it keeps changing in the Mirror Worlds. Looks like the Irish are providing the big challenge at the top. Josh Rumbol is now up to 4th, with Juliet Long, after discard, up to 5th and Peter Gray in 7th. Other 420 sailors in the top 20 are: Emma Houlihan (11), Nicola Brook (13) Anna Mackenzie & Holly Scott (15), Jack Yeoman (17) and Kate Macgregor & Georgie Akin-Smith (20).

Peter Irwin holds his position at Largs 
Peter Irwin holds 3rd with a good margin, behind the Mon brothers, at the completion of the qualifiers at the Topper nationals at Largs on Wednesday.

Dobson & Tunnicliffe lead in GP14 Nationals 
Ian Dobson & Andy Tunnicliffe finished the qualifying series in the lead, with Matt Burge and 420 veteran, Simon Wheeler in 3rd! Alison Macgregor crewing ?Out of Control? is in prime piosition in the Silver fleet for the Finals starting today!

...all prepared for Junior Europeans on Lake Garda 
Fraglia della Vela di Riva are waiting to welcome over 110 boats to the 2005 Junior European Championships to be held from 11th to 19th August on Lake Garda

Team GBR: Tom Mallindine & James Clark, Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster, Ed Powys & Will Morgan, James & Dan Ellis, James Goss & Elliot Parsons, Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber and Tom Makey & James Wade. We wish them all every success and everyone a great Championships.

FVR Press Release attached to link above.

Dobson & Tunnicliffe set a strong pace in GP Nationals 
If we're reading it right, that famous 420 Northern duo, Ian Dobson & Andy Tunnicliffe have teamed up again (woop!) and are running =2nd in the GP 14 Nationals Qualifying Series in Poole. Local 420 Poolies, Matt Burge & Simon Wheeler are =6th in the The Big Floater, and Alison Macgregor is crewing "Out of Control" (better in a trapeze boat - see you at Portland!) only a little further down the field.

420 sailor, Peter Irwin, in 3rd at Topper Nationals 
On Day 2 at the Magic Marine Topper Nationals at Largs, after the 253-boat fleet were kept ashore for 5 hours and in between shipping movements of the Russian Navy, 253 Toppers got a further 2 races in today. Peter Irwin, due to sail at the 420 Nats at Weymouth, is currently in 3rd place! Matt Undrell is in 44 and Georgina Sunnucks is looking forward to discarding a black flag.

Matthew Rainback in 2nd at Optimist Nationals 
Other 420 saioors include Tom Willis in 11th after 3 races. Hannah Diamond will be looking forward to a discard after a BFD in R3. You'll find more 420 sailors in te various fleets at Pwellheli this week.

Changing fortunes at Mirror Worlds 
After 5 races, the Clementsons are in the lead, with 420 sailors Peter Gray (4), Emma Houlihan (6) and Josh Rumbol (7); Anna Mackenzie & Holly Scott and Nicola Brook also in top 15. Rob Struckett evidently had a tough R4 and a BFD in R5; it looks as though several are also looking forward to discards kicking in, including Juliet Long.

420 sailors perform in the Mirror Worlds 
Emma Houlihan, Robert Struckett, Josh Rumbol, Juliet Long, Nicola Brook. Jack Yeoman, Kate Macgregor & Georgie Akin-Smith in the top 15 after 2 races on Day 1 in the 100-boat field at the Mirror Worlds at Storsj?ns Segels?llsk on ?stersund

Peters & Lasko triumph in HISC Youth Week Handicap Fleet 
Well, believe it or not there were still some 420s/sailors left in the UK last week! Frances and Clare beat 29er James Peters & Neale Jones, with Henry Maxfield & Gareth Evans taking bronze slot at the Hayling Island SCs Youth Week.

Maria Stanley & Catherine Alton win bronze at the 420 Worlds 
The Italians, Maria Turizio & Maria Rendano lengthened their lead to 33 points over the ISAF Youth Champions, Lumeau & Bossaard of France, to be crowned Ladies Champions 2005. But our women have done it again! ? 3 teams in the top ten. Maria & Catherine, with two good results today, overtook Jo Brigg & Mary Rook, to take 3rd place. Jo Macdonald & Laurie Marsden finished 8th. The 420 Open Champions 2005 are Tomas O.Da. Sylva & Francisco Gomes of Portugal. Ally Martin & Ian Dobson finished in 16th place. In the Silver Fleet, James & Dan Ellis were 4th, with Niki & Christian Birrell just 5 points behind.

Rob Struckett wins the Mirror pre-Worlds in Sweden 
The Hansens were 3rd, Peter Gray 4th. 30 of the 83 boats were from the UK. 17 of the sailors are GBR 420 sailors, so we shall be watching the Worlds as they get underway on Sunday.

Dramatic, breaking news from Brest: Stanley & Alton take bronze in the Ladies'! 
As the sailors gather for the Closing Ceremony at Brest, we receive the following press release: "Embargo jusqu?? la c?r?monie de proclamation des r?sultats, aujourd?hui vendredi 5 aout ? 19h00. Voici les arriv?es avant jury pour la cat?gorie Ladies et la cat?gorie Men Or
"Arrival Ladies before JURY :
ITA 52097 ? Turizo Maria Stella et Rendano Maria Carolina - 54 points
FRA 51959 ? Lumeau Marie et Brossard Claire ? 87 points
GBR 51175 ? Stanley Maria et Alton Catherine ? 98 points
"Arrival Men Gold before JURY :
POR 51990 ? O.DA. Sylva Tomas et Gomes Francisco ? 41 points
ITA 52098 ? Capodanno Alfredo et Papa Vittorio ? 59 points
ESP 51699 ? Santurde Pablo et Quevedo Abelardo ? 68 points ( result last race : 2)
FRA 52001 - Rahier Thomas et Rahier Matthieu ? 68 points (result last race : 3)
FRA 51521 ? Bishop Alex et Bombray Pierre ? 80 points
NZL 51642 - Dawson Christopher et Illingworth Scott ? 83 points. "

A little news from Brest, but no results yet!! 
Official news from Brest since the end of racing is still awaited (we think that everyone will be in the Prizegiving from 18.00 BST and then the party will be starting!) A little earlier the following information came through to us:
"En anglais: For the last day of the race, the wind is regularly blowing at 14 knots until about 15:00 PM. The time necessary to the fleet to realise theirs races. Two for the girls, two for the gold group, except silver group who had run only one race. At the race 9, the French team, Bishop Alex passed the arrival line in first, but, it will be not enough to go on the podium. The Portuguese team is favourite for the title. In waiting final results, yesterday, the national president of the French sailing come in Brest to visit the organization, and the director of the ESCAE, the high school of business from Brittany, visit the students teams who work on the event since one month.....free pictures on the site, from Franck Gicquiaud photograph....and sooner final results. Closingc

Jo & Mary chasing 2005 ISAF Women?s Champs 
Jo Brigg & Mary Rook are in 3rd after 10 races (with a 2nd in R10), a point behind Marie Lumeau & Claire Bossard, this year?s ISAF Champs, for France and 10 points behind Turizio & Rendano, in the lead, for Italy. Maria & Catherine up to 5th, 4 points behind Macaire & Gougeon for France. Jo & Laurie in 9th.

In the Open, the Portugese team have a 12 point lead over Italy, with NZL in 3rd. Ally & Ian lead for GBR in 19th. In the Silver, James & Dan Ellis have jumped to 6th, with a 3rd in R10 & their 1st yesterday!

Press Informattion from SRBrest 
No racing news yet (apart from matt's contribution to the MsgBd, but the following issued by SRB this afternoon: En anglais : Today, Thursday 4th August : the competitor started at twelve. The first start was for the silver race, about 13:20 PM. The wind was 5 knots south west. But, it will be more in some hours. It? s today an important moment for the race.

In waiting, at 11:30 AM, the French sailing club SRBrest and The Yacht Club Prince Albert of Sidney officially signed a convention to learn at top level to two sailing teams from the two country. Each sailing team will make training and competition race of the welcoming country. The sailing club will help competitors to get a job and a home during their journey. One of objective is to be ready for the 470 world championship in Melbourn in 2008. It?s the first time that this type of twining will be organized in Australian with France.
Today, French race committee received the national president of FFV, Jean Pierre Champion. A great honour for Brest.

Wednesday Worlds Results up at last! 
Looks like a tough day at Brest. Jo & Mary are in second after two races. After a first race of the day we won?t mention, Maria Stanley & Catherine Alton scored a bull?s eye in the 2nd, giving them 10th overall into tomorrow! Jo & Laurie 14; Charlotte & Poppy on 15. In the Open, Matt & Chris are on 16, Ed & Will 17. Niki & Christian Birrell obviously liked the wind ? they?re up to 5th in the Silver fleet!

Further bulletin from Brest 
Call from the "boss" in Brest at 15.30 BST. "The girls are just in after 2 races....sailing conditions better even than predicted....a Jury person says even gusts up to 28kn!...." Also, the large number of DSQs in the Gold yesterday arose from many sailing the wrong course apparently.

And now the 'official'version: "En anglais. Races of the 3th August. A very nice race today: wind (14 knots), sunshine, teams motivated and all races behave realised. For the first time, the women group started normally. It?s the gold group who has a wrong start. One big fright: when the fleet of women was catched up with the sylver group on a buoy passage. But it went of well. The end was at 4:00 PM for the women and about an hour after for the men."
But no showing results yet, 18.15 BST, though our special correspondent in deepest Oxfordshire reports: "A win for stanley alton in second race today". Woop!

News Bulletin from Brest before racing, Wednesday 
"En anglais :
"Wind comes back on Brest: 11 knots in the North West. Good conditions for the race. The start will be at 12:00 PM. The teams are ready to make performances.
"In waiting the start, all competitors were on computers to send messages, news.. "
.....so where are all the additions to the Message Board, guys?

Jo & Mary build lead at Brest 
After 5 races, Jo Brigg & Mary Rook have built a 21 point lead in the Ladies Worlds. Strong GBR presence in top 10 of Ladies, with Jo Macdonald & Laurie Marsden 5, Charlotte Lawrence & Poppy Husband 7 and Maria Stanley & Catherine Alton in 9th The Open is now in Fleets. After 1 race, Ed Powys & Will Morgan lead GBR in 8th, with Ally Martin & Ian Dobson in 15th, but a black flag for Matt Burge & Chris Evans.

Jonny & Tom 12th in 470 Junior Worlds 
Jonny McGovern & Tom Mapplebeck finished 12th out of 67 at the 470 Junior Worlds in St Petersburg (on a certain person's birthday!).

STOP PRESS from Brest; NZL to host 2007 Worlds 
Vielle Dame says: "Start races later because wind is ?in vacancy?. Weather will better this afternoon. R?sults will be late. .....the news of the day is that NZL will organize the world championship en January 2007. A good news for the NZL teams."

Update: "It?s at 14:00 PM that the race started. The wind was 9 knots in west. The women start is always in black flat, their favourite color.
No problem for the start of silver group. It?s about the gold group that it?s a difficult : one of part of the fleet go on a side, since the other part go to an other side. 25 boats in the good way and 17 DNF. Reclamations are at the evening program for the jury?."

And now the Mirrors?17 x 420 sailors off to Worlds in Sweden 
We will have 17 (yes, 17) of our 420 members on board in the 30-boat team selected to represent GBR in the Mirror World Championships in ?stersund, Sweden from 1 ? 13 August. We wish the whole team the very best success at the event, with especial good wishes to: Ania Booth, Nicola Brook, Jilli & Alice Darling, Peter Gray, Eloise & Kayleigh Hansen, Emma Houlihan, William Kalderon, Jamie Knill, Juliet Long , Kate Macgregor & Georgie Akin-Smith, Anna MacKenzie & Holly Scott, Josh Rumbol and Rob Struckett, We look forward to hearing all about it at the Nationals.

Jo & Mary and Matt & Chris lead Ladies' and Open at Worlds 
Jo Brigg & Mary Rook and Matt Burge & Chris Evans are both leading in the World Championships at Brest, ahead of Italian and French teams in 2 & 3 in the Ladies and Spanish and Italian in the Open. Ed Powys & Will Morgan are in 13th after 6 races and Charlotte Lawrence & Poppy Husband in 7th after 4 races by Sunday night.

Vielle Dame (SBR) says: "The winners of today races were those who choose the right wind side of the race and were light weights! The light breeze needed the sailors to think hard about the tactics of the race.
The ladies were very keen to get started, resulting in lots of black flag disqualifications and kept them out on race course for many hours.
The open fleet behaved better and sailed the three races to complete the qualifying series. So after 2 days of racing a full range of weather conditions have been experimented and the results show the best all round sailors of this talented fleet who think coming to the top." Keep thinking, GBR!

Ben Saxton in 16th at Optimist Worlds 
After 9 races for each flight, Ben is holding 16th place in the 241 boat line-up at St Moritz. Lay Day today (Monday) - some news posted on Message Board from our flying correspondent.

Worlds - First day's racing.. 
Day 1 results available on the event site (click title).
Fantastic day for GBR girls...

New International 420 Class Website launched 
At the General Assembly in Brest on Thursday, the new International Class website was launched.. Some of the web and database applications used will be familiar to GBR 420 website readers. There are two Forums, or message boards, one for general and one for technical issues. It is early days, as the content is built up, but the International Class hope that improvements in making information available to those interested in 420s and the potential for contributing through the Forums will enhance the value of visiting the site. Take a look for yourself

Alistair & Hannah 8th at Schools' 
Alistair Norris & Hannah Marsden took eigth for Lancashire at the NSSA Regatta at Grafham WSC.

Team Racing Training 
RYA are offerring team racing training, aimed at those hoping to qualify for University teams. Could be good for 420 sailors going up to University this year.

TeamGBR measured & ready at 420 Worlds at ?Vieille Dame?? in Brest! 
...that's the ??Soci?t? des R?gates de Brest?? - if you have not read the Club Chairman's Foreword yet!
Our Open Team: Niki & Christian Birrell, Ed Powys & Will Morgan, Matt Burge & Chris Evans, Ally Martin & Ian Dobson, James & Dan Ellis, James Goss & Elliott Parsons, Ben Ainsworth & Maia Walsh
Our Ladies? Worlds Team: Joanne MacDonald & Laurie Marsden, Maria Stanley & Catherine Alton, Jo Brigg & Mary Rook, Charlotte Lawrence & Poppy Husband, Claire Walsh & Clare Best, Sophia Parkinson & Rachel Jarvis, Sophie Ainsworth & Jane Turner.
We will also be keeping a look out for our members from across the North Sea - Kenneth Rumball, Lisa Tait and Pippa Wilkinson (or is it South of Tesco?)
Have a great Championships!
Early news to be found on the Msg Board

STOP PRESS: changed arrangements for RYA Youth Match Racing 
"The RYA Match Racing Group are sad to announce that they have decided to cancel the Youth Match Racing Qualifiers and Training 1 and 2 [9/10/11th, 13/14th, 16/17/18th and the 20/21st August] due to lack of entries.

"We are now moving all entries received so far to the finals [27/28/29th August], and have arranged a training event for the 19th/20/21st August at WPNSA. Please can you confirm that you are still available to attend the event(s)." If you have any queries, please contact Jess at Keelboats at RYA.

[We are a bit puzzled - there was a record entry for last year's Youth MR Champs on August Bank Holiday weekend - the same date for years - from 420 sailors, who almost wiped the board. But we note that the 420 Youth Squad camp starts on the day of the finals! Wasn't it match racing skills that won Ben the 2000 Olympic Gold?]

Alistair Norris & Hannah Marsden in 7th at Schools 
After Day 2 & 7 races, Alistair & Hannah, of Lancashire Schools, are in 7th the NSSA Regatta at Grafham WSC tonight. They have a bunch of 29ers and an RS 300 to challenge! New member, Chris Tuccket & his crew, from Norfolk, are in 16th in the 31 boat Fast Handicap Fleet. Emma Norris and an interesting new boat from Norfolk are also to be found in the line-up. Woop for NSSA sailors!

Rusden 2005 Cadet World Champion; another win for Jenny Lennon 
James Rusden reasserted 9 point lead in the Championship fleet of 69 boats in spite of last race which saw many of the leading boats adding to their points. 420 helm Stephen Videlo in Silver, ahead of the Argentine boat. Stephen Tiernan (now recorded at the helm!) 4, with Jonny Moss 8, Kate Allam 10, Will Rusden 11. Nice for our Lou to see Aussies scored a 1 in last race to give them a top ten place (thanks again Adelaide SC).

Jenny Lennon wins the Regatta Fleet Championship with Aaron Cooper 3, Miles Blaver-Mann (joined 420 Class today!) 6, Ben Muskett 9 and Jamie Crapnell 11 out of a field of 72.

GBR dominating Class & Promotional Fleets at Cadet Worlds 
In the Championship fleet James Rusden holds lead with 21 points after 8 races. 420 helm Stephen Videlo keeps 2nd, ahead of the Argenitinian boat. Stephen Tiernan, crewing with Hugo Pullen, 4, with Kate Allam up to 5, Will Rusden 9 and Jonny Moss 10th. In the Regatta Fleet, after 10 races, Jenny Lennon is on equal points with Joshua Pistol, in spite of discarding an ocs from R10; Aaron Cooper 4, Ben Muskett 7 and Jamie Crapnell 9.

Optimist Worlds: TeamGBR ? all members of GBR 420 Class! 
We wish Owain Matthews, Mathew Rainback, Ben Saxton, Tim Saxton, & Imogen Stanley all the very best for the IODA 2005 World Championship in Engadin, Switzerland from 25 July to 5 August. We understand that the team has arrived safely in St Moritz?..well, actually they were snowballing this morning and, as RIBs are not allowed, the coach is doing his thing from his sailboard! Rumours abound about that two teams are trying out spanking new 420s on Lake Garda after the event ? so get practising before the Nationals the rest of you!

GBR 420 sailors doing good at Cadet Worlds 
James Rusden, brother of our boy, still leads Championship fleet of 70+ in Cadet Worlds at Sangenjo, Spain with 10 points after 7 races. 420 helm Stephen Videlo holds 2nd, ahead of the ARG. Stephen Tiernan, crewing with Hugo Pullen, up to 4, with Kate Allam 6, Will Rusden 10 and Jonny Moss 11th. In the Regatta Fleet, after 9 races, GBR in top 13 places, with our Jenny Lennon 1, Aaron Cooper 2, Ben Muskett 7 and Jamie Crapnell 8. Woop...ee!

STOP PRESS: Jenny Lennon wins Promo Fleet at Cadet Worlds 
Our correspondent (evidently with Lymingtopn leanings!) on the spot reports at 13.46: Jenny Lennon (Lymington Cadet & 420 sailor) has just won the promotional Worlds. James Rusden (also Lymington Cadet & 420 sailor!) still leads the worlds but last race still in progress

GBR 420 sailors continue doing good at Cadet Worlds 
James Rusden, brother of our boy, still leads Championship fleet of 70+ in Cadet Worlds at Sangenjo, Spain with 9 points after 6 races. 420 helm Stephen Videlo holds 2nd place with 16 points, well ahead of the ARG & POL boats. Kate Allam 5, Stephen Tiernan, crewing with Hugo Pullen, 6, Will Rusden 10 and Jonny Moss up to 11th. In the Regatta Fleet, after 8 races, GBR in top 11 places, with our Jenny Lennon 1, Aaron Cooper 3, Jamie Crapnell 6 & Ben Muskett 7. Woop...ee!

Message from Chairman and Notice of 2005 AGM 
We are now approaching the start of the World and Junior European Championships, and we wish our teams well.
It is then not long until the Nationals at Weymouth. if anyone would like to volunteer to help with measurement, rescue or the socials, please drop me a mail. All help will be gratefully received.
A detailed social programme will be available shortly so keep your eye on the web site.
Attached is the Notice of the AGM for the Class Association. All sailors please try to be there - it is your class and your decisions which are important. Remember that any sailor can be on the sailors' sub-committee. It would be great to have some younger sailors represented, and we need representatives from all the junior classes so that we can have a range of experience and opinion.
I look forward to seeing you all in Weymouth.
Best Wishes, Catherine Dodds

Tom Mallindine & James Clark win Bronze at ISAF Youths 
Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster win 4th. Well done TeamGBR! Follow link to full report.

Our guys all in top 15 Cadet Worlds after 5 
James Rusden, brother of our boy, leads Championship fleet of 70+ in Cadet Worlds at Sangenjo, Spain after 5 races. 420 helms Stephen Videlo & Kate Allam are in 2 & 3, with Will Rusden in 8, Stephen Tiernan crewing Hugo Pullen in 9 & Jonny Moss in 12th

Marie LUMEAU and Claire BOSSARD declared ISAF Youth Girl's 420 Champs for France 
ISAF issues full story on penultimate day: with unassailable 20 point lead, France wins the Girls's 420. Three ISAF Youth titles decided after 10 races today. Thick fog stopped further sailing, so other classes go to the line tomorrow. Tom Mallindine & James Clark hold their 3rd position, but Brazil currently 3rd, just 3 points ahead of Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster. For full details follow link to ISAF report issued at 14:48 GMT [posted 21/07/05 14.34 BST]

Close for 2, 3, 4 in women's & Tom & James hold in men's after 10 races 
As at 08.00 BST Thursday, we are seeing 10 races completed at the ISAFs. Overall top placings stay the same in the men?s and in the women?s Brazil draws ahead of Hannah & Peggy by 3 points.

GBR 420s both hold 3rd in ISAFs after race 9 
Hannah & Peggy are on equal (27) points with Brazil, with France on 12 and USA on 22 points. Men?s positions unchanged from before lay day, with Tom & James holding 3rd with 34, Singapore on 20 and Japan on 27 points; USA in 4th on 41.

GBR in 3rd at ISAFs 
Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster and Tom Mallindine & James Clark both in 3rd after 7 races. Lay day today for cultural touyr of Busan

Tom & James up to 2nd at ISAF Youths 
Tom Mallindine & James Clark have moved up to 2nd in the ISAFs at Busan after 5 races. Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster, after a 1st in Race 5, are up to 6th.

Looking for a helm or crew? 
We keep hearing of sailors looking for sailors; some with boats, some without; some with experience, some with less (even some with lots!); some looking for a long-term relationship, but happy to try something shorter; some just want to do the Nationals! Are you one of these? You can advertise on SmallAds (if you are not a member, just ask us, and we can put it up for you). Or you can tell us what you are looking for, and we can ask around (confidentially if you wish). But if you do not tell us, we will not know! Call Membership Secretary (see Contacts page)

Thanks Adelaide Sailing Club & all our correspondents 
Thanks to all those who showed us the way to the (obscure) results site, for news on the Cadet Worlds etc. (see archive and on-going). Especial thanks to our friends at Adelaide Sailing Club! Interesting to note that ?the Brits (in Spain) are still talking about the Aboriginal Dancers? at the 2004 Worlds! Nice Pics. Great uniforms (any chance we can borrow you, Gill?). Good to see Lou Hutton (one time GBR 420 sailor) supporting the Aussie team - woop! (not Aussie outback or interesting wine, but GBR420 term of enthusiasm!)

Tom and James move to 3rd at ISAFs 
After five races Tom Mallindine and James Clark are now lying in third place. whilst Hannah and Peggy have moved to 11th, having won race 5.

Tom & James 4th at ISAFs into Day 2 
Tom Mallindine and James Clark on equal points with Australia. Portugal 1st, Japan 2nd and Korea 3rd. Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster take two 10ths, but carry an ocs in Race 2.

Hannah continues rise to the end 
Hannah Diamond finised 26th, up another 3 places from yesterday, in the IODA Euros finals at Gdynia. Well done all our guys. Travel home safely and see you at the Nationals. PS watch for news of the all-420 Optimist Worlds team coming soon!

Hannah grows stronger by the race at Oppie Euros 
Hey, our Hannah Diamond is up to 29th out of 93 girls into the final day at the IODA Europeans in Gdynia. Have a good last day!

Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, Busan, Korea 
We wish all TeamGBR the very best at the ISAFs, especially Tom Mallindine & James Clark and Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster. The evidence is that our guys are there and getting ready! (see PhotoGallery). First racing is on Saturday.

420 sailors off to Cadet Worlds in Spain 
Five of the 7 helms off to the Cadet Worlds at Sangenjo in Spain this weekend are GBR 420 members: Jonathon Moss, Stephen Videlo, William Rusden, Kate Allam & Stephen Tiernan. We wish the whole GBR Team all the best for a great event. We will try and keep up, communications depending!

Jonny & Tom finish 470 Junior Euros 17th out of 77 boats 
The light and very shifty winds in the Eastern Baltic, which caused cancellation of racing on one day, saw great variation in placings in different races around the fleet at the 470 Junior Europeans. Now our guys are off to the Junior Worlds in Russia.

French honour upheld; Ally&Ian 4th; Jo&Laurie teach the English "fair play"! 
"Good evening, I'm happy to know that all informations I've sent...available across the Channel!! Today was last day of the National 420 Race...Wind was not very strong, 6-8 knots, heading 50?...a thermic wind, blew stronger and stronger since 11h00, the 11 race started at 12h, the last started at 13h50 just before the end start time...At the end, French people did very well, of course the pressure was quite high because of the selection for the World champs until the end of 12th race. But English people did also very well, finishing just at the bottom of the podium with the mixt team. ..Between races, a minute silence was observed in memory of the London bombing... The comite has decided to give one team the "Fair Play Trophy"...won by girl team Joanne Macdonald & Laurie Marsden because of respect of rules and the way they were sailing...The famous English Fair Play...I hope English people have enjoyed their stay in Port Blanc...we hope to welcome you again...See you and sail well in Brest" Eric

Ally&Ian hold 4th on Wednesday night, with Jo&Laurie (Ecosse!) making a surge to 7th... 
Eric pour l'Organisation National 420 writes: Hello to everybody. Today, we've done 2 races....the mist came during the third....cancelling the race, but all black flagged racers will be out of race for tomorrow 10th race. 10-12 knots heading 55? like yesterday....the French are doing better each days...but the english team McDonald / Marsden are doing very well. Tomorrow starting at 10h00, we hope to finish the 11th race started today, and do a 12th one. Tomorrow at 16h00, the final results. A bientot." [Funny, Jo & Laurie always told us they were from Ecosse! Oh well! Woop for great reporting from Eric - sorry for delay in posting due to being lost in N Sea]

No racing at 470JnrEuros, but Oppies get three races in 
'Fraid you'll have to read the detail in the results on the IODA Euros website. Just leaving port!.....

Missed our coverage?.....click for Complete News 
We are trying to cover as many events our members are competing in as we can, even on a daily basis where we get good communications (thanks to all our correspondents, official and otherwise!). But things move on from day to day and the News page has to be pruned! So if you missed anything you can review the whole coverage by clicking "Complete News" at the bottom of the page.

Stop press: Burge forced to pull out of French Nationals due to injury 
Our Blandford Forum correspondent reports that ?Matt has been forced to retire from French Nats due to shoulder injury - tripped over a barrier and landed badly !!! day 3 spent in x ray dept of local hospital - nothing broken and should be back in action for the Worlds?. Really Chris, you know the Crew is supposed to look after his Helm of an evening!

3rd Day at Port Blanc & 3 races: Ally & Ian record a 1st and discard the others 
After the late start, four Brits in the top 20: Ally & Ian at 5, behind four home teams: from Brest, La Rochelle & Hyeres; Jo & Laurie 11, Oli & Sam 19 and Ed & Will 20th. Looks like the light winds, or the good French living, may have got to the Flanders Champions!

NB please see special message from Eric, pour l'organisation: "Good evening for every one following the race in England, The weather was really nice today, GBR people are doing very well, The wind was 10 knots, bearing 55?...and was quite the same during the journey...It's alaways a pleasure to have foreign people coming to Port Blanc , a such lovelly place, were sailing is really a pleasure... If you have any questions don't hesitate heaven in English I can understand.... I'm sending also a photo with an English boat....( a girl boat.....)" [When the "girl boat" reaches us, we will try and pass it on! Ed.]

Minor depression hits Eastern Baltic 
Not so good today - a Black Flag and an ocs!

Snippets from France: while we await official news on Day 3 
An excellent results service now established thanks to Alain Taque of Uniqua (who says "hello to all English 420 sailors, and mum & dad"). But we also received results direct from the organisers by e-mail early yesterday ? merci!.

Thanks for the massive response to our request for news. Andrew Burge put us on the right track. Caroline has been operating the Maxfield control centre in Paul?s absence. Nick Martin has provided a full brief on all things French (at least in relation to 420s). And the indefatigable (have we called her that before?) Carla Stanley took the opportunity to interview one of our leading sailors this morning (Ollie was so keen to get sleep that he missed the ROs decision to delay sailing today to 2.00 pm and got up at 8.00 am ready to launch!): ?Unless you bang right you are dead. Wind not much above 5 knots [this may explain Matt?s progress, Andrew?never mind!]. A good start does not help you.?

Day 2 at Port Blanc 
In a fleet of 104 boats at the French Nationals, 17 are from the UK. Ally Martin and Ian Dobson are lying in 4th place with Jo MacDonald and Laurie Marsden in 15th, and Oliver Dix and Sam Maxfield close behind in 19th.

Results from France 
Ally and Ian lead on Day 1 at Port Blanc

Our guys still in there at end of Day 3 at Tallinn 
Jonny & Tom in 5th at end of qualifiers (equal points with 3rd & 4th). Croatia lead from Germany, with yesterdays leaders Israel now in 6th. Finals start tomorrow at 470 Junior Europeans.

Jonny & Tom drop to 2nd after wobbly in R3 at 470 Jnr Euros; snippets coming in from France by bush telegraph 
We have tried to raise news of the French Nationals, so far with partial success. - seems we are dependent at present on sailors reporting via the Martin and Maxfield HQs - Chinese whispers! Sounds like maybe three flights, so a lot of boats (puts the pressure on for Weymouth!). Ally had a 7,1,3, but was not off the water until 7.30 pm. Sam reports that he and Oli got a 2nd and 2 10ths (remember, these look more impressive until you see the scores integrated in one table - but weah!). Anyway the weather is great there, so the 20 or so GBR crews and some trolley dollies are probably having a great time.

420 members sail in 3 international events this weekend! 
The Coupe Nationale of the French 420 Class is taking place in Port-Blanc 9 ? 14 July. We think there is quite a GBR turnout. Ali Martin has to defend her title from last year, but recent experience of our sailors at the CIMA event (see Archives) and last week at Flanders suggest they will have a challenging time. Fair winds and keep in touch through your friendly internet cafes!

The IODA Europeans are being held in sunny (hot!) Gdynia in Poland from 10 to 17 July. We wish the whole TeamGBR all the best for the event and send special good wishes to: Hannah Diamond, Olivia Pettit and Tom Willis.

The GBR contingent at the 470 Junior Europeans in Tallinn (7 ? 15 July) is a bit reduced we hear, but we wish those that got there all the best, esp. Jonny & Tom. Our special correspondent flew in today & reports a 2nd and 3rd on Day 1.

Tell us (MembSec) if you know more than we can find on the Web!!

Claire Walsh & Catherine Alton dominate at Itchenor 
Hot-wired back from their 9th at Flanders, Claire and Catherine triumphed decisively this weekend in the 33-boat Schools? (420) Regatta at Itchenor SC.
Day 2 saw some changes in position, but Class members predominated in top 10 line-up. Oli Dix (2), Andrew Shaw (3), William Kalderon (4), George Yeoman (5), Kate Macgregor and Georgie Akin-Smith (6), James & Sophie Bowker (7), Josh Rumbol & James Kitt (8) and Vikki & Hannah Cobb (10). Woop for Edgbaston High!

Its official: Edgbaston High lead St Paul's and Talbot Heath by 18 points! 
OK, how could we doubt our most reliable and ever well-informed correspondent! Yes, we have documentary proof of Claire and Catherine's barnstormer in the first four races - 4 firsts guys, where are you! - must be emulating the Burge-Evans approach (give us wind!). But good ones for William Kalderon and KateMacgregor/Georgie Akin-Smith (did I see a 1st, Kate!). Anyways, looks like fun at Itchenor this week - story is there was serious, steady wind - so we shall watch for the final results with great interest. We see a lot of familiar names and dynasties in the line-up, but I have to say that the Class Membership Sec. would be doing a spot check, if he was not in the Baltic! ["Marcantonio" Oli? - pull the other one!] Just all be in Weymouth for the Nats! Woop for school sailors!

So what is happening in Chichester Harbour? 
As a reputable reporter of the facts, we have, as yet, been unable to confirm rumours of storming behaviour by the Walsh and Alton team at the Itchenor Schools event this week. So we are not reporting it yet! Should we trust our sources?

2012 for WPNSA!! 
The 2012 Olympic Games will be held in London [posted: 2005-07-06 12:57:34 BST]

Matt Burge & Chris Evans triumph at Flanders and Jenny Lennon wins the Cadets 
Matt & Chris won the Championship by 27 points from the French team of Belhandouz Baptiste & Bethune Romain, with Ben Ainsworth & Maia Walsh taking Bronze. Jo Brigg & Mary Rooke 4, Charlotte Lawrence 5, Oli Dix & Sam Maxfield 7, Rob Struckett & Tom Hodkinson 8, Claire Walsh & Catherine Alton 9, Sophie Weguelin & Jess Savin 11, Dave Brewer & Oren Richards 15, Jonny Moss & Sam Brearey 17

GBR Cadets take 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 (our Molly Bridge) and 14 (our Nikki Curwen)! Seems we all have a lot to defend at Flanders again next year! Congratulations to all our sailoors. Safe journey home.

420 sailors do it in RS800s & 200s at WPNSA 
Our indefatigable RS800 correspondent draws attention to last weekend's results in the RS meet at WPNSA. Steve Irish wins again; Laurie Fitzjohn-Sykes with Dan Allin 6th; Ian Martin 10, Nathan Batchelor & Ian Haywood 11....and many more! AND Rachel Wigmore in top half of RS200s! We trust that they will all be back for the 420 nationals!

Flanders Youth Regatta - Nieuwpoortweek 2005 
If you have missed our daily coverage of this event, just scroll down and hit "Complete News". We had to make space for some other stuff! It's a busy month for 420 sailors, woop!

No racing on Day 3 at Flanders 
Weather at Flanders on Day 3! - see report

Burge & Evans take commanding lead after 5 races at Flanders 
Veteran 420 campaigners, Matt Burge & Chris Evans, take a 29 point lead into Day 3 at Nieuwpoort. But (almost as veteran) Ben Ainsworth & Maia Walsh, fresh from campaigning in France (or energised by gap year travels?), pulled up from 5th to 2nd today! More recently on the block, Sophie Weguelin and Jess Savin, storm up from 16th to 6th; Charlotte Lawrence & Poppy Husband up a place to 8th; while veteran ladies, Jo Brigg & Mary Rook are right back on form, jumping from low 20s last night to 11th this evening. Some good results in R4 & R5 from Dix/Maxfield and Walsh/Alton. Nine GBRs in top 20 tonight, woop!

420 sailor, Jenny Lennon just holding first for second day in the Cadets.
[posted 19.30 BST 03/07/05]

...and now news of 420s, hey! Burge & Evans lead into Day 2 
Yes, Matt & Chris start with 4 point lead. 8 GBRs in top 20 of 50+ boat line-up: Ben Ainsworth/Maia Walsh 5, Dave Brewer/Oren Richards 8, Charlotte Lawrence/Poppy Husband 9, Henry Maxfield/Gareth Evans 10, Sophie Weguelin/Jess Savin 16, Claire Walsh/Catherine Alton 19 & Rob Struckett/Tom Hodkinson 20. [posted 08.45 BST 03/07/05]. See also daily News reports on Regatta site.

So what's happening in Nieuwpoort? The Cadets are off with Jenny in the lead. 
Jenny Lennon leads the Cadets after 2 races, with Nikki Curwen (9) & Molly Bridge (13) in a line-up of 30 boats at the end of Day 1. But that is all we can see (from a different time zone up near the Arctic circle!). If you know more, please contact 420 Membership by e-mail, and we will try and bring you more. The link above should give you the latest news officially promulgated from the Regatta. [posted 01.15 BST 03/07/05]

It's Flanders time again! 
After last year's sweep, GBR will have a challenge on their hands for the championships starting today, but we note that there are both seasoned campaigners and young firebrands in our 14-boat pre-entry. Woop for all 420 sailors...and for our secret weapons in the Cadet Fleet too! [posted 09.00 BST 02/07/05]

Could You Inspire Them? RYA Junior and Youth Coaches' Course 19th-23rd September WPNSA 
The Junior and Youth Coaches Course [previously known as a Zone Coaches Course] is a 5-day intensive coaching programme aimed at high level, experienced sailors who are looking to get involved with coaching squad sailors or class race training. See eligibility criteria & info/application form on: http://www.rya.org.uk/Racing/Coaches/default.asp?contentId=3207576

Twiname RYA Junior & Youth Team Racing Championship 2005: 12th/13th November 2005 at Grafham WSC 
Last year the event saw 38 teams and over 228 sailors (including lots of 420 sailors in many interestingly named teams!) competing in the event. This year the organisers have increased the number of entries to allow for 48 teams, so don't miss out! For the Notice of Race and Entry forms, click above.

Record Entry for 420 Worlds 2005 
International Class Press Release: A record number of preliminary entries have been received for the International 420 Class World and Ladies World Championships, being held from 27th July to 5th August 2005. This successful boat, younger sister to the Olympic 470, continues to grow throughout the World, with applications to build increasing accordingly. With the event being hosted by The Soci?t? des R?gates de Brest, it is expected that this popular venue will provide exciting sailing and challenging conditions. There are currently entries from 24 countries, with an encouraging growth in numbers from Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and the USA.

Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster take bronze at Kiel 
Ali Martin & Ian Dobson took fourth place in the final day. Tom Mallindine & James Clark 10th, with Fynn Sterritt & Matthew Day 11th, up from 20th last night! Jo Macdonald & Laurie Marsden 15th and Richard Mason & Daniel Schieber 17th. Woop for all 420 sailors, both the Fleet leaders and those for whom this has been one of their first international championships on the 420 circuit.

Hannah & Peggy still lead at Kiel 
Ali & Ian in 3rd; Tom & James up to 8th, with other top 20s: Ben & Maia (15), Sophie & Katrina (16), Joanne & Laurie (18) and Fynn & Matt (20) - it keeps moving! - these corrected results posted at 11:17:50 PM local time on 20-06-05

Hannah & Peggy lead R1 at Kieler Woche 
The 154 420s entered at Kieler Woche sailed their first races (in flights) on Sunday. Alison Martin & Ian Dobson and Richard Mason & Dan Schieber both took a =12th on the overall board. Looks like 14 boats representing GBR, including large Scots contingent.

Nick Rogers & Joe Glanfield new 470 European Champions 
Nick & Joe took the Championships after a first in the last race on Monday and no wind on the last day (though the Argentinians took first placing after the "interesting" R11); Nick Asher & Elliott Willis in 8th place. Pippa Wilson and Sheena Craig 8th, with Christina Bassadone and Saskia Clark on equal points in 9th in the Women's. Woop for all 420 sailors!

420s take Youth and Junior Prizes at Glyn Charles Pursuit 
Henry Maxfield & Gareth Evans won the Youth Prize (placed 16th out of a field of over 100 of the great and the good!) and Sophie Weguelin & Katrina Hughes (19th) took the Junior Prize at this prestigious charity event at HISC on Saturday . Three other 420s were seen sailing closely together (party?), a short way behind our roving reporter, who did splendidly (anyone need a crew?)

Rogers & Glanfield lead GBR (420) pack in 470 Euros 
While most 420 sailors are taking time out for academic stuff (but not those in Cadets, Optimists, Mirrors & Fevas, we notice!), 420 sailors, past & present, on the Olympic circuit are in Gdyna for the 470 Europeans. Nick Rogers (former Optimist/420/ISAF Youth Gold) and Joe Glanfield (former Cadet/420 ISAF Youth Silver & well known 420 class coach) have bounced back from their Olympic Silver to seek to retain their Euros title ? 3 wins on day 1! Nick & Elliot, 11th. Pippa and Sheena 6th in Women?s. Some pics on PhotoGallery.

GBR 420-sailing Optimist helms take Gold & Silver at Muiderzand 2005 
Owain Matthews won the "U4", with Ben Saxton in second. Matthew Rainback was 6th, Tim Saxton 8th and Imogen Stanley 11th. British sailors won 6 of the 12 starts in 82 boat field.

Three 420 sailors selected for Team GBR for 2005 Cadet Worlds 
After the third Indicator at WPNSA this weekend, Jonathan Moss, Stephen Videlio Will Rusden & Aaron Cooper were among the eight helms invited to join the GBR team for the Cadet Worlds in Sanxenxo in Spain this July. At this weekend's event, Jenny Lennon took 5th in the 77-boat line-up!

420 Sailors, Frances Peters & Claire Lasko are new RS Feva National Champions 
Frances & Claire led a 65-boat field at HISC last weekend, closely followed by Ben & Tim Saxton in 3rd and Maria & Imogen Stanley in 5th. But who was the first known Feva sailor to break a mast? (surely not a 420 sailor!)

Anna Mackenzie & Holly Scott take silver in 2005 Mirror Nationals 
In an 85 boat field, other 420 sailors in top ten: Juliet Long was fifth and Eloise and Kayleigh Hansen were 7th at Poole this weekend.

Team Members Confirmed 
Team selections are now confirmed, click here for details...

RYA Youth Match Racing 
This year there are more opportunities for youth sailors to get into match racing. 12 teams will be able to compete at each qualifier, with the top 6 teams from each going through to the Finals. Click here for full information and the programme on the RYA website

420 sailors take 5 of top 6 places at Optimist Inland Champs 2005 
Another Champs win for Ben Saxton, with brother Tim 1 point behind, Owain Matthews 3rd, Hannah Diamond 4th and, recent addition to 420 Fleet, Imogen Stanley 6th. Olivia Pettit takes 16th in a 211-entry main fleet! Watch out for new Oppie helm challengers at the 420 Nationals!

Training for Teams and others 
Our Training Officer has announced arrangements for training of the Worlds & European teams, and other dates for Open training during 2005. Click here for Tani's note, and check out dates on the Events Calendar

Hannah & Peggy win Hayling Selector 
Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster continued their good form to win 3 races and take the meeting from Ben Ainsworth and Maia Walsh. The Selection Series is now complete, and full results are available to view here. Team places have been offerred - further news will be issued when these are confirmed ..

Safety Boats, gear & lunches. 
Safety boats are often asked to carry spares and lunches for competitors. This note from Safety Officer Howard Marsden provides some guidance to keep this manageable at Hayling next weekend.

Selector Series - Judging Update (RRS 42) 
So far there have been 21 yellow flags in the selector series. In this note David Brunskill provides some guidance to get you through the rest of the series without protests.

A dozen 420 sailors in top 20 as Mirrors go North (woop!) 
At the UK Mirror Class Spring Championships and Worlds Qualifier at Datchet Water SC in March, Peter Gray led, but will 2nd placed Anna Mackenzie & Holly Scott prove too great a challenge on Windermere this weekend? Other 420 sailors spotted in the line-up: Juliet Long, Kate Macgregor & Georgie Akin-Smith, Nicola Brook, Emma Houlihan, Jack Yeoman and Jilli & Alice Darling.

"Future of British sailing identified as RYA selects Youth Worlds Team" - RYA Report on Youth Champs 
?..great battle all week in the 420 class both for (both) slots in the team. Winning half the races in the series Welsh sailors Tom Mallindine and James Clark from Corus SC ended the week on half the points as nearest rivals Richard Mason and Dan Schieber from Royal Lymington YC, to not only win the national title but also their places in the Youth Worlds Team. Mallindine summed up his thoughts, ?It was great to win the event. We believed we could and just concentrated on sailing well all week. We were hoping for some light winds to come but when they didn?t we just concentrated on our boat and waited for other people to make the mistakes.....? First to admit that they would have preferred lighter conditions were fellow Welsh 420 sailors Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster. Despite the conditions, they put in a good performance, winning two of the races, to finish 8th overall and 1st girls in front of 11th placed Maria Stanley & Catherine Alton from Oxford SC.'

Youth Champions: Tom Mallindine & James Clark; women: Hannah Mills & Peggy Webster. A Welsh double! Llongyfarchiadau! Arddrerchog! Awesome!! 
Tom & James take the 2005 RYA 420 Youth Champs and Hannah & Peggy lead the girls. Many congratulations to them and to all sailors. Seeing those pics and reading the reports, it seems that the weather, the Firth of Clyde and the PRO conspired to give you a very challenging and exciting Championships.

Wild and windy on penultimate day of RYA Youth Championships - RYAs Day 4 Report 
?Selection for the Youth Worlds was also on the forefront of many sailors minds in the 420 fleet. Female sailors Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster got off to a great start in far from their ideal conditions and managed to establish a good lead on the fleet before capsizing, which dropped them down to 34th. Their persistence paid off and they continue to lead the girl?s fleet from Maria Stanley and Catherine Alton from Oxford Sailing Club.

?In the boy?s fleet, Fynn Sterritt and Matthew Day from Loch Morlich Sailing Club excelled in the windy conditions and scored their first race win of the week. Overall leaders Tom Malindine and James Clark from Corus Sailing Club managed a fifth place which they discarded, and continue to lead the fleet by eleven points from Richard Mason and Dan Schieber from Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Tomorrow will see all three of these teams locked in battle to try and win their seat on the plane to Korea.?

More wind & building on Day 4: One race: Provisional Results 
"Windy day. Got racing underway on time as (we) knew forecast would build quickly. Built to 30 knots. Hannah Mills led race but capsized which dropped her back. Plenty of capsizes today!"

Royal eyes watch over the fleet on third day of RYA Youth Championships 

"Very windy" Day 3 sees Mallindine/Clark take 2 more wins! 
"Very windy day. 18-20 knots. Squalls that flattened fleets of 35 knots. Royal visit in the morning ..."

So M&C extend their lead and Richard and Dan are looking strong. But see these Loch Morlich sailors, Fynn & Matthew up to third! ...hey, guys, watch out for Tom & James with their next discard!

?.and things are shaping up with the women?.Hannah & Peggy (1), Maria Stanley & Catherine Alton (2) and Claire and Clare (3)?.at the moment!

Perfect sailing conditions on second day of RYA Youth Championships 
"Despite a grey dawn and lack of breeze the beauty of Largs shone through and the competitors went afloat under blue sky and with 12-16 knots of breeze blowing, allowing all of the fleets to complete their day?s schedule of races."

"After a further three races in the 420 class, there was no change at the top, although plenty of positions swapping further down the fleet. Tom Malindine and James Clark from Corus Sailing Club managed to maintain consistency in the 48 boat fleet. Winning two out of the three races, the pairing continue to lead the fleet going into the third day of racing. A good day for Richard Mason and Dan Schieber from the Royal Lymington Yacht Club saw them jump up the fleet into second place overall in front of third placed, and first girls pairing, Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster from Corus Margam Sailing Club."

Day 2: Mallindine/Clark hold lead, but Mason/Schieber romp up as discard kicks in 
Hannah & Peggy and James & Dan Ellis on equal points in 3rd & 4th.

Information for Selector 1 
The sailing instructions are now available - click this link or go to events page.
Other information on the events page include a briefing note from the Protest Committee chairman, and a short extract from the SIs (useful afloat, particularly if laminated).

Entries Due... 
Don't forget to submit your entries for the 420 Class Selection Events, and (if you qualify on age) for the RYA Youth Championships.
The first Selector takes place at Weymouth over the Easter weekend, preceded by a training day on Good Friday. (Contact Tani to book this open training).
Support for the RYA event is still sought for beach, safety, and race committee duties - contact Ruth Appleby.

Lymington Racing 
Lymington 420s enjoyed a fleet race day on 6 March - 4 full size races in a tricky North Easterly F3 to 4, helped by a very gentle neap tide. Click title for results.

It's great to hear of local activity involing 420s. Any club or fleet can publicise themselves in these columns, just email details to the class sailing secretary.

Selector Series - 
Send your entries to Catherine by 6 March to avoid the late entry surcharge..

Press, PR and Sponsorship 
The class needs a volunteer to assist with its press relations, PR, and searching out sponsors. If you can do any of this, or would simply like to find out more, please contact Catherine Dodds.

Winter Open 
James Goss and Elliott Parsons won the inaugural 420 Winter Open from Tom Mallindine and James Clark at Carsington Reservoir on 19-20 February.

Youth Champs, Largs, April 2-8. RIBs, Drivers & Helpers wanted 
Being a Youth Event, the Youth Champs requires a high level of Safety Boat support. To keep the costs (and therefore the entry fees) at a realistic level, the RYA depends on your help to assist in running this event. If you have a RIB, and /or you plan to be in Largs, please get in touch with Ruth Appleby at email address [email protected]

Chairman's letter 
News letter from Catherine, as sent by email to the membership on 17 February 2005.

Winter Open Regatta 
Takes place this weekend 19 & 20 February at Carsington SC. The event you asked for at a new venue for the Class, ideal time to tune up in advance of the Selection series. Enter on the day or email details in advance.

Calling all 420 supporters going to Largs Youth Champs 
Our Beachmaster extraordinaire, Steve Witty, has been promoted to run the whole beach at Largs. Volunteers needed to share 420 Class tally duties (a day or two each, so everyone does a bit, but not a lot!). Please contact Steve on [email protected] or 01827 289 803. Thank you!

Walsh & Best take 420 Class Trophy at Tiger 
Claire Walsh & Clare Best won the 420 Trophy. Ex-420 National Champs, Nic Asher & Elliot Willis took John Merricks (470) Trophy and 420 supercrew, Mary Rook, and sister Alice, went home smiling with the Ladies Trophy and 3rd overall (sailing an Albacore). Preliminary results now published - follow link (amended pm 07/02/05)

Wow, 420s start season en masse! 59 boats at Tiger 
Tom Taylor and Joe Williams show the oldies how on Day 1 with (provis) 8th in record field of 240+. Hannah Mills and Peggy Webster (13) lead the women into Day 2. Pursuit now in progress, light winds & mist. Sounds like the John Merricks do was a success ? just hope the 420s stay awake on Rutland Water today (am 06/02/05)

Boat Show Pursuit Race results 
Somewhat belatedly, here are the results from this 'battle of the classes', showing Tom & James's 420 in the top third of the fleet.

Class Rules amendments 
ISAF have published the amendments to be effective from 1 March 2005. Click here for amendments, go to Technical page for full version of the 2005 Class Rules.

Open Training 
The first session for 2005 took place at Hayling on 29 & 30 January, attended by 24 boats, including some of our leading sailors. Sign up now for further sessions...

RYA Youth Championships & Trials 
Full information is now published by the RYA, including Notice of Race, Entry Form, and squad application.

NEW CLASS EVENT - Winter Open Regatta 
The event you've been waiting for is fixed for 19 & 20 February at a new venue - Carsington SC. This is a new major regatta for the Class, get your entry in as soon as possible! (Entry form on events page - complete on screen, print, and submit).

What about Match Racing in 2005? 
40 x 420 sailors competed in Youth Match Racing Finals in 2004. Some ten 420 helms cleaned up in the National Finals. So are you going to have a go this year? Put the Yth MR Finals (straight after the Nats) in your diary, extend your stay in sunny Dorset, get a team & wake up early on Saturday!

420s figure high in windy Bloody Mary 
Congratulations to Richard Mason/Dan Schieber (8th), Lucy & Nicola Macgregor (9th) and Olly Dix/Sam Maxfield (19th) in the windiest Bloody Mary for years - only 34 finishers out of smaller-than-usual entry of 129.

2005 Class Training Starts.. 
2005 Class Training starts on 29/30 January at Hayling. Enter now to ensure your place. A mixture of training and racing is planned, providing good preparation for Tiger Trophy, Selectors, Youth Champs, etc.

Tiger Trophy 
This 'must-do' event takes place on 5-6 Feb 2005 at Rutland. Click for advance information, including Notice of Race and Entry form

2005 International Team Racing 
A new International format has been announced for 420 Team Racing, organised by the 420 Class. See Events page or click the link to Notice of Race. More detail on team selection later...

Paul Brotherton & Scott Graham win at Imperia 
Excellent high standard event with many world class competitors from all over Europe. James Goss & Elliott Parsons 8th; Maria Stanley & Catherine Alton 31st after 2 black flags; others there include the Booth Sisters; Very shifty choppy conditions up to F5

Northerners and Southerners train this weekend: serious competition in 2005?! 
Rumours reach 420 HQ of training this weekend for Northerners (hey, Southerners, that?s humans living north of Watford) at Leigh & Lowton SC. & Lymington 420 fleet at it too, with their new Fleet Capt, Phil Lawrence. Watch out Chichester, Soton & Poole partygoers!

420 North-West Training 
There is a 420 Training Squad forming in the North West...

What?! 420 youth sailors do it under power too! 
420 sailors, Charlie Hatfield of Lymington and Chris Witty of Blithfield, took top 2 places in Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship 2004.

End of Season Results 
Ed Powys & Will Morgan are winners at End of Season.. 5 Races in light breeze.

End of Season Sailing Instructions 
Read this and note courses - more options and new signals! Questions can be raised via message board.

End of Season Regatta 
Next weekend 20 & 21 Nov, late entries will be accepted. Draycote will provide catering from 07:30 both days, supper and Disco on Saturday evening.
Be there for last major event of 2004...

420 for ISAF Youths 2006 
Just announced at the ISAF conference, we hear GBR have chosen the International 420 as the double handed boat for the ISAF Youth Worlds in 2006

ISAF Approve 420 Rule Change 
ISAF have approved the 420 Class submission to change their class rules, allowing a switch on/switch off procedure for RRS 42. Read conference report...

BUSA Report 
more on http://www.busa.co.uk/

Full story on Team Racing Champs: future 420 talent assured! 
Rumours right. David C-Js report (you read it first here!) reveals great competition between clubs, schools and junior classes. But 420 members everywhere, including three top junior teams (well done Claire, Ben & Tim with the Grafham Gremlins!).

Scots ex-420 sailors triumph in Laser 2s at BUSA 
Blast from the past - former top-end of 420 fleet, Clyde women: Gemma Frier and Sophie Esson won the BUSA Laser 2 Class decisively for Glasgow Uni - wins all the way - at the weekend. We have missed them since the 2000 Nats. Link to all results.

420 sailors all over top tens in Twinnane TR Champs 
Rumours are 420 sailors took 2 & 3 in Jnrs, & more in 6, 7 and 9 of top 10 teams! Did we infiltrate the 1st: GrafmGremlins? Yths: Chiddingstone, Guy?s Team & Betty's Buddies in top 10. How did 29ers win?! See C-Js rpt 2moro

420 sailors prominent at BUSA Fleet Racing Nationals, whether on or off the water! 
French NatChamp, Ally Martin, + ex-Canadian ski instructor, Eamonn King, 1st 420 in H'cap, took 7th for Soton. Former 420YthChamp, Laurie Fitzjohn-Sykes + Tom Heywood took 4th (RS800) for Cambs, while Ian Martin/Nicky Macgregor were 8th for London

Photographs from the Inlands 
Nick Champion of Champion Marine Photography was at the Inlands and has many photographs available. Please contact him at [email protected] or on Tel: 01227 266 272.

27/28 November: Open Training: Rutland: BOOK NOW TO ENSURE PLACE! 
So Autumn Camp was a woop by all accounts. And, of course, you?ll be at the End-of-Season for Tom Saunt?s de-brief. But NB applications for the November Training weekend at Rutland need to reach Tani soon!

Training at End of Season 
Tom Saunt will attend this event. He will observe the racing and debrief afterwards.

Youth/Junior Team Racing 
Sailing Instructions and Briefing Notes now published...

End of Season Regatta - Draycote 20 & 21 November 
Enter now for the last major event of the year, includes disco on Sat night.
(Completing the Entry Form on screen will improve legibility and speed registration. You need full version of Acrobat to save, so print it after completion with Acrobat Reader)

420 sailors in Twiname RYA Team Racing Champs: Grafham 6/7 November 
Yths Betty?s Buddies & Chiddingstone full of 420 talent, wiv Guy?s Team & LSSA some too. Jnrs Itchenor ++, also The Southerners, HISC ?X?, Cadet Class, Derbys Youths and Sophie?s 'TBC' wiv 420 talent on board! Watch this space!

Inland Championship Results 
Brotherton's comeback continues with Inland championship victory snatched in the last race...

Coaching and Expert Team for 420 Autumn Training & joining instructions attached 
One of largest 420 Autumn Camps ever gather in Rutland on Monday - all levels experience. Some coaching team (count the medals!) and experts flying in! Anyone wanting to attend sessions with spar and sail designers should contact Tani - see link

Jo & Laurie take Poole Open for the Scots! 
Big entry, Poole! A special woop for Jay! (beachmaster extraordinaire etc.) Also thanks to Niss for whatever she did! More on Results Link and gossip on Msg Bd

420 Helms take 6 of top 10 at Optimist Inlands 
Ben Saxton (1) Tim Saxton (2) Tom Hayes (5) Oliver Maton (6) Claire Lasko (8) & Tom Willis (10) inlargest one-design regatta held in Britain for at least a quarter of a century

Poole Open Meeting 
Advance entries are required, get yours in now...

C-Js share 1st in 10 top 420 helm sweep at RYA Match Racing Nationals 
Waves over pontoons at WPSA Sat/Sun, MR Nats decided Fri: Paul and Mark =1st, Nick Cherry & Andy Cornah =3rd wiv Lucy Macgregor (rankd 9 b4 event) 5th! Then Gemma Farrell, Mark Lees, Simon Wheeler, Ed Males and Richard Mason. U read it 1st here! Woop!

Current 420 members figure high at 470 Nationals 
Callum and Stu 2nd to Neil Marsden/Graham Nelson at 470 National Champs at Farmoor with Luke & Twiggy 4th. Lucy & Nicky Macgregor crowned Women's Champs, 5th overall.

Itchenor Open 
Evergreen Paul Brotherton, with Scott Graham, made a comeback to win here from Richard Mason/Dan Schieber. Paul last won here in 1982; some youth class..!
Chichester Harbour Series won by Andrew Shaw/Paul Froy.

420 members selected for Cadet Worlds 
Congrats to Tom Makey, Jodie Green, David Brewer and Will Rusden who will be part of Team GBR at the Cadet Worlds in Australia following the final indicator at Highcliffe SC

Mirror Class Southerns 
420 sibling teams of Hansen and Ellis feature strongly at Warsash...

??? 420 Team for Twiname RYA Youth Team Racing Champs, Grafham, 6/7 Nov 
Other junr/youth Classes entered - what about 420s? Team of 3 x 2 - all under 19 at 31/12/04. See Message Board or contact Jess Mapplebeck at RYA (see link for NoR & registration)

Corinthian Otters Open 
Win for Richard Mason and Dan Schieber

TeamGBR clean up at 2004 EUROSAF 420 Team Racing Champs in Lake Garda 
1st: GBR1 inc. John Greenland and Bevis Field; 2nd: GBR2, included Ben Field, Karen Greenland, Andrew Cornah, Tom Hebbert, Susie Short - last 3 sailed 420 Nats in 2002 - woop for 420-trained TeamGBR

'Nuff Sed then' - update on Burnham Open 
Hi all you 420 sailors who are coming to Burnham on 18th/19th September......

Lucy Macgregor & Team: 2004 Ladies RYA National Match Racing Champions 
woop,woopity woop!

Robbie & Jasmine win Lymington 420 Open 
Robbie Claridge/Jasmine Husband led 31 boat 420 field at Royal Lymington YC Youth Open Regatta this weekend. Tom Makey & James Wade 2nd; Olly Dix & Tom Heywood 3rd. Some new Class Members had their first outing in a Class field - woop!

420 clean sweep at Volvo RYA Youth Match Racing Champs: Cherry holds title in gripping contest. Many pics up on RYA site (follow link) 
40 420 Members in 10 of the 12 teams entered had two good days racing out of the 3 this weekend. Nick Cherry finally took the Champs for 2nd year in duel with Ed Males ; real MR! Richard Mason finally pipped Lucy Macgregor on the line for 3rd

Hundreds of sailing Pics from Nationals 
Lee Whiteheads Sailing Pics - On this site use the Search facility - type 420 and your name or boat no. seems to work best (e.g. "420 smith")

All quiet after Restronguet? No way! 40 x 420 members Match Race this week 
RYA National Youth Match Racing Championships are next weekend at Portland. Who should we support? There are a record 40 Class Members taking part in 9 of the 11 teams entered!....well, maybe not the other two! Woop for 420-trained sailors!

Burnham-on-Crouch Open, Supper & "Nuff Sed": 18/19 September, 2004 
"good sailing, good food, good music and good company!" - a promise from Mandy Wade! NoRs, Entry, pre booked tickets draw, details - see links on Events Page

Lymington Youth Open 4 & 5 September 
Youth Regatta includes 420 class. NoR and entry form on Events page.

Pippa Wilson & Jon Gimson crowned 420 National Champions 
Nationals end with 2 races in 25 knot gusts. Matt Burge/Chris Evans 2nd on countback from Stu Bithell & Andrew Hall. Ali Martin & Maia Walsh Women's Champs.The Class is partying....and the woop lives on in the marquee at Restronguet SC

Biggest entry in memory as Nationals get underway 
Racing started today at Restgronguet SC - 3 races in Falmouth Bay - with a field of 86. The full results will be accessible on Class site tomorrow - we are challenged in accessing the server by cellphone here! Bare with us!

Nathan Batchelor & Joe Crabb achieve 8th in the 420 Junior Euros 
Well, we'll hear all about the Liffey Euros at Restronguet, but, meanwhile, a special "woop" for Nathan and Joe. Hurry back all you guys, you've until Monday to clear your heads!!

Three GBR boats in top 15 at Jnr Euros 
Joanne & Laurie are 9th into last days racing tomorrow; Nathan & Joe 11th and Luke and Adam 14th. Woop for TeamGBR!

Joanne & Laurie running 4th in Gold at Jnr Euros 
Qualifiers complete. Nathan and Joe are 10th in Gold after FinalR1. All our best to TeamGBR in Dun Laoghaire

Joanne Macdonald & Laurie Marsden up to third at Junior Euros 
Light winds at Dun Laoghaire in morning, along with fog. Fog lifted in late afternoon, and racing got under way. Results of Races 4 & 5 are now available - follow link. Yes!!

Joanne & Laurie 5th overall at the Liffey Junior Euros after 3 races 
Joanne & Laurie 5th overall & 1st women at end of Day 1 at Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire. Ben & Ollie are in 13th. Woop for TeamGBR!

Juliet Long - Silver & the Hansens - Bronze in Mirror Euros 
Equal pts to Gold, Juliet & Richard Long 2nd, Eloise & Kayleigh Hansen 3rd. Other 420 members in top 20 of 120 field: Anna MacKenzie 6, Robert Struckett/Tom Hodkinson 8, George Yeoman 15, Katie MacKenzie/Holly Scott 17, William Kalderon 20. woop!

Sophie Weguelin takes Silver in Optimist Nationals 
Sophie took 2nd place to Ben Saxton, whose brother, Tim, was 3rd. Other 420 members took top 20 places: Tom Hayes (12), Thomas Willis (15) and Oliver Maton (16) - some talent to watch guys! more woop!

The Hansens and Juliet Long in 3rd & 4th at the Mirror Euros 
Other 420 sailors in top 25/122: James Ellis (7), Kate Mackenzie (10), Anna Mackenzie (11), George Yeoman (12), William Kalderon (14), Rob Struckett/Tom Hodkinson (15), & Ania Booth up to 22.

Socials at Nationals 
Click for the programme...

Sophie Weguelin leads into Day 4 at Optimist Nationals at Largs 
Four 420 Members in top ten of Senior Fleet at end of Day 3: Sophie Weguelin (1), Thomas Willis (6), Tom Hayes (7) and Olly Maton (9). Only 2 races so far due to poor conditions - see Y&Y reports: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/

Twelve 420 members in top 25 boats at Mirror Euros in Ireland (Day2) 
Eloise/Kayleigh Hansen 3rd. Others in top 25 of 122 fleet: George Yeoman (6), Juliet Long (7), James Ellis (9), Kate Mackenzie (10), Anna Mackenzie (11), Rob Struckett/Tom Hodkinson (12), William Kalderon (17), Patrick Houlihan (22) & Ania Booth

New look ISAF website goes live for Olympics 
On Monday, ISAF launched their new look site and the ISAF Athens 2004 microsite, providing Mark by Mark Roundings, Results, Reports, Image Gallery etc.

Congrats 420 Members at Cadet Euros: Jodie Green (silver) & Tom Makey (4) 
also Will Rusden (11) Alex Shanahan (16) Amelia Hughes (22) Ben Muskett (57) & Sam Brearey (60) in a field of 156! There seem to be several familiar surnames Rusden, Muskett, Blaver-Mann, Allam, Sudell (all in top 50) so may be more on the way!

Final Croatia Report. Our full daily News Items have been Archived: see link "Complete News" at bottom of page 
Well done, Matija Longin and Pavle Kostov, Gold winners in the Open Championships. Thanks to USKOK SC for great event coverage and what sounds to us back home like a great event.

NSSA National Youth Regatta: three 420s in top ten 
New 420 sailors achieve top ten placings in the Handicap Fleet at the National Championships at Bridlington: Daniel Gaines-Burrill/Matt Rawson 5th, Chris Tuckett/Rory McDonald 6th, Alice Rook/Pili Trumble (yes, more Rooks & Trumbles!)

James/Daniel's 1st in R11 clinches 2 top 10 places for GBR in Gold Fleet 
Nathan Batchelor & Joe Crabb take 9th overall, with James Goss & Daniekl Schieber at 10th. Well done both teams! Gold Fleet Results attached.

Pippa & Harriette 420 Women's European Champions, Alison & Maia take Silver for TeamGBR 
Lucy Macgregor & Nerissa Booth 7th, Joanne Macdonald & Laurie Marsden 8th, Jo Brigg & Mary Rook 11th. Provisional Womens Results attached.

Final Day: Nathan/Joe 2nd in R10; Joanne/Laurie take a 3rd! 
On the spot reporter, sponk, says Pippa flying the Union Jack. We await photos of this and anything else of interest - esp. tonight's celebrations!

Day5Rpt: Alison Martin and Maia Walsh "dominated women's course" 
Alison: "Today was brilliant, we are very happy. We started better today, which was nice. We are in a very good position for a medal before the final race. It will be very exciting. Wind was ok, we like today's weather. It was more stable...&

Nathan & Joe jump ten places today! 
Overnight 20th place converted with 8,11,13 to 10th overall tonight and first GBR men, followed by James & Daniel and the two Jonny's. Have a great last day all you guys!

GBR Women in 1st and 2nd place into last day 
Pippa and Harriette (ISAF Youth Bronze winners) hold their overnight lead in the Women's Championships & are joined by Alison Martin & Maia Walsh (Winners of 2004 French Nationals) in 2nd place at the end of racing on the penultimate day.

and another 1st after tea, Alison! + a 5th for Pippa....superlative wooping! 

& b4 tea: 1st for Ali/Maia, with Jo/Laurie 5th! Woopity woop!! 

Lunchtime news: 2nd for Ali/Maia - woop! 

Woop for TeamGBR, leading the Championships 
See the Champs points listings - you are in the lead by 10 points after Day 4. woop woop!

Day 4 Rpt: James/Daniel join top 5s club. 
Pippa/Harriette take lead with a 1st & 2nd in Women?s; USA only 3 points behind. More GBR top 5s: Joanne/Laurie another 2nd, James/Daniel 3rd in Gold R4, as did Alison & Maia in WR8. Fynn & Matt were 4th at the first mark in Silver R5

"Team did good...a good day at the office" Day 3 report 
Luke: ??a weird day?We worked hard. Love the conditions when it gets up this windy. Good fun! First race most difficult one so far? Pippa: ?Good day in the office! Next races? Our team did good today, yes, we are good at this and hope we'll keep up?

Stop Press: GBR get results as wind gusts to 32 knots 
GBR women finished R6 in style: 1. Pippa/Harriette, 2. Joanne/Laurie, 5. Lucy/Niss; Top fives in the other three races for Luke/Adam, the two Jonnys, P/H & Ali/Maia! woop, woop!

Day 2 Report from USKOK SC 
Pippa and Mary comment.... Oli & Ross send Day 2 postcard to Photo Gallery

Open Euros: USKOK SC super web service 
Link to USKOK SC. See mark rounding news. Members adding pics from USKOK and (hopefully) own to Photo Gallery. Field Reporters (Smicky, Sponks and Catherine) are...but the more the merrier. Two way messages via Message Board OK.

Pippa/Harriette & Jonny/Stu ISAF Bronzes - RYA report 
...and look at the National scores. "GBR Youth Worlds Team can be proud that they won the biggest medal haul for Great Britain at a Youth Worlds Championship".

Ali & Maia triumph in France again! 
After their win at Bandol in April, Ali Martin & Maia Walsh have just won the French Nationals. Also congrats to the male supporting cast: Mattieus Burge & Christophe Evans (Poole again!) and Robin Stewart & Mathieu Forrester (Ecosse)

Medals for our sailors at ISAF Youth Worlds 
Britain's 420 boys and girls teams both took bronze...

Annual General Meeting 
Note that the class AGM is at Restronguet SC on Sunday 15th August 2004 at 16:00hrs.

Are you doing the Women's Match Racing? - 11/12th September 2004 
Calling all 420 women. RYA Ladies Match Racing at W&PSA. New J80s. Crew of 340kg (68kg average for 5). Training days available prior to event. NoR & Entry at: http://www.rya.org.uk/Racing/MatchRacing/ Or contact: [email protected]

Flanders Clean Sweep 
The Flanders Youth Regatta 420 Class was won by Alison Martin & Maia Walsh, followed by GBR boats in the next 11 places!

The Twiname RYA Youth Team Racing Championship 
at Grafham Water Sailing Club on 6/7 November 2004. Open to 3 boat teams, raced in Fireflies supplied by the organisers. Teams from Youth classes, Clubs, Schools or other Organisations are welcome. See Events ..

Kiel Week - Results 
Check out how our guys and girls are doing at Kiel...

Mumbles Open 
This event, scheduled for 26/27 June, has been CANCELLED...

Coach Training 
The RYA invite aspiring coaches to train and qualify to coach at Zone level...

European Teams Announced 
Following the recent selection series, teams are now announced for Open, Ladies', and Junior European Championships...

European Selections Completed 
Regatta Report and Results...

Junior and Youth team racing coaches required 
David Campbell-James is looking for Team Racing Coaches to work in all parts of the country but particularly at Bough Beech, Spinnaker, Grafham and West Kirby to assist in the coaching of the Junior Classes (Optimist, Cadet, Mirror and Topper) ...

Hayling Open 
Robbie & Jasmine win, from Ollie & Ross

Nick Martin's Report from Bandol 
Since they were no longer eligible to sail at the Youth Nationals (by 3 and 5 weeks respectively) Ally and Maia decided to take me to the French CIMA....

Hayling Island Open - 24 & 25 April 
Enjoy a weekend racing at the 2003 Worlds venue, without the pressure of selection. Disco on Saturday night. Enter on the day. (Draft SIs on Events page)

ISAF selections announced 
Link to report on the Youth Nationals, the decisions of the Selectors and reactions of the sailors. We wish Pippa & Harriette and Jonny & Stu all the very best as they prepare to represent GBR in Poland.

Pippa & Harriette confirmed as 420 Youth Champions 2004 
Congratulations to all sailors, as well as winners. RYA News Bulletin confirms results. Selectors' decision awaited after Prizegiving (watch http://www.rya.org.uk)

Ali and Maia pick the shifts & do it in the Med! 
Alison Martin and Maia Walsh won the International Spring 420 Cup at Bandol yesterday, beating competitors from all over France and from Germany, Switzerland Belgium and Portugal (see Caroline's report). Results: http://www.sn-bandol.com/

Youth Nats decided: Pippa & Harriette by a whisker 
From our roving Webmaster at Pwllheli at 1.30pm: racing cancelled today. Yesterday's results (attached) are Provisional Overall. Well done Pippa & Harriette and "first boys", Jonny & Stu. Watch http://www.rya.org.uk/ for full rpt

Largs Results, Scots 1st & 3rd 
Callum & Stuart win, Olly & Ross 2nd, Luke & Adam 3rd. Olly/Ross first juniors, Pippa & Harriette 1st Girls in wet and windy (normal Scottish) conditions !

Welcome to Selector 2 - programme from Largs SC 
Largs SC looks forward to this event on 3 & 4 April. Full information including Sailing Instructions available on Events Page.

Bosham SC 
...is hosting an Open Meeting on 3 & 4 April, an alternative event for sailors not competing in the Largs selection regatta.

RYA Youth Championships & Trials 
Entries close this week. Full information including updated SIs available.

Classes invited to the Top Mark Zone Conferences 
Class sailors & potential coaches. Meet other coaches. Latest coaching techniques. Info. re. your Zone attached. Further info: Jess Mapplebeck [023 8060 4167 [email protected]] Apply online [www.rya.org.uk/Racing/Coaches].

Weymouth Selector Cancelled 
The event scheduled for the coming weekend 20/21 March has been cancelled due to the severe weather forecast. It is hoped to reschedule it, and further news will be published on this.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING! 
The first Selection Regatta this weekend 20/21 March will be affected by some rough weather. A decision to cancel may be made in advance to save wasted travel. Watch this space.....

RYA Youth Championships & Trials 
Information updated to include Notice of Race, Entry Forms, and Sailing Instructions. Entries close on 26 March. RIBs still required for safety.

Selections series entries due... 
Make your entry by the end of this month to avoid late entry fee penalty.

Bumper On the Wire hits news stands! 
Propulsion. 1st Beat. Reports & pics. GB & Int events. Hole? Smicky Mcnicious & Sir Sponk of Nonipplebeck. Olly pleases the Japs. Twig chocoholic?. Which Afro? Chief Ferret awards RYA Hoover Certs. Kate the new Macgregor?...and much more

RYA Youths Notice of Race & Entry Form now available 
Follow this link to the RYA website for the Notice of Race and Entry Form for the RYA Youth Championships

2004 Open & National Championships 
The Notice of Race is now published, and available with entry forms and other information on the Events page. Accommodation information has been posted to all Association members.

420s sweep Tiger Trophy board 
Jonny & Stu win Tiger! 420s take top 3 (Ben & Harriette and Fynn & Matt). 12 in top 25, with 43% of 112 boat field of finishers. 3rd race on Sat & Sun Pursuit abandoned. See Results page for results and report from Nick Martin.

Class Training with Jim Saltonstall 21 & 22 Feb 
Apply for this session run by Jim Saltonstall at Weymouth, the venue of the first European team selector. Entry deadline extended to 14 February to allow more participants to join in.

Parents - Do you plan to be at Pwllheli for the Youth Champs ? 
If you are planning to be at Pwllheli for the Youth Championships, and would like to get out on the water to watch the sailing for one of more days (especially if you have a RIB) ....

2004 Selection Regattas 
The Notice of Race & Entry Forms for these events are now published. These events are open to all, not just GBR team aspirants - enter one or more for great open meeting racing...

2004 Class Training 
All venues are now confirmed. Go to Training or Events pages for more information, or click here for form.

News on TR at Boat Show: first sailors comment 
Gimp and Sam, the James's ("hat on" and "hat off"), Andy and Louis comment on the wind, pond and experience so far and look to the future of this "awesome" new facility as part of a great new venue for the Boat Show

Aussies win 2004 Worlds 
Australian sailors take top places in Open and Ladies' Worlds in Melbourne. Lucy and Nicola Macgregor (GBR) second in Ladies' (See photo on Home Page).
Full results and reports from Mornington....

New message board style photo gallery 
As we don't seem to be good at keeping the Photo Gallery up to date, we have turned it over to you, the members, to keep it up to date yourselves. It works like a Message Board, on which you can post photographs rather than messages.

Worlds & Aussie Nationals... 
Link to Australian 420 Website - from there you can access the Worlds and Nationals websites

Boat Show Team Racing 
Entry Forms & Schedules

Team Racing at London Boat Show 
RYA need you!

Team Racing at London Boat Show.

Free entry for teams selected

End of Season Regatta 
Full results from Draycote

End of Season approaching - note local rules... 

Open Training - apply now for Draycote 29/30 November - final indicator for RYA transition training 

McGovern & Frazer win Inlands. Click for full results 

Photos from Poole by David Harding 

Equipment used at 2003 Worlds 

Selection Series Completed - Report & Full Results 

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