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.

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 .

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.

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.

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

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.

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!