Supernova Nationals Report

Published 10:27 on 9 Jul 2021

Supernova National Championships 2021 in Plymouth - Bartley Roundup

18 brave Bartley boats took to Plymouth to compete in a class record breaking 116 boat fleet. For some helms this was their first time on the sea and first time competing in a nationals let alone with gate starts. They were treated with conditions from bobbing along in light breeze, being batter by winds at the upper end, some rather large waves and at times torrential rain. With 10 races being held over 3 days it was going to be hard going and just to add to it all there was a good 45 minute beat out to the racing area just outside the breakwater.

The event was kicked off by Mike Gibson who was the nominated pathfinder in race 1, not to be out done Phil Taylor put in a solid performance of 10^th and become the race 2 pathfinder. The breeze was light but built and by race 3 it was a good breeze. Sam Knight dominated with 2 bullets, and Garry Butterfield also was seen at the front clocking up an excellent 5^th.

Day 2 was forecast to be much windier and so it proved. Again, the breeze was relatively light in the morning but picked up as did the waves. Sam took the first win of the day. Matt Biggs was pathfinder in race 5 and Sam in race 6. By race 7 conditions had become very lively with significant waves the game was surfing without ditching it in. Bartley boats remained competitive all day, but given the changing conditions and a strong fleet it was proving hard to get to the front and stay there.

Day 3 was wet! At the time of launching visibility was very poor and the rain was running down the slipway like a river. The PRO and Association agreed that it was sensible to stay inside the sound given the wind was set to be stronger still, it provided to be a wise decision and gave some valuable shelter from the waves. There was a brief postponement to allow the wind to settle, but with it not happening the course was set further out and we got going. It all changed for race 9, with the tide making the approach to the marks more challenging the wind died, and filled in from an entirely different direction seeing winners and losers across the fleet. Sam came good to win race 9. The last race saw the wind and waves picking up, and certainly made for exciting conditions, it was only 1 lap but was a memorable end to a great regatta and was a very quick run back home which put a smile on your face.

Unfortunately, due to the covid restrictions the social side was scaled back, but there was still lots of help available in the dinghy park and fun had over a beer and bite to eat (in small groups).

We didn't quite do enough to win the team prize home, but Sean Ricketts took some silverware home as first youth. Jeremy Higson was also the winner of a new sail courtesy of Hartley Boats.

It was fantastic to see so many Bartley boats out an everyone will have a story to tell. Next year we'll be at Plas Heli in North Wales and we'll have an eye in getting the team prize back.

Well done to all our helms, especially those having done this for the first time.

Full results Sailwave results for Supernova Nationals 2021 at Mount Batten Centre 2021

Event Summary Footage Supernova Nationals 2021 Event Summary - YouTube

Sean Ricketts Race 10 https://www.facebook.com/100050125877195/videos/969483497201587/

Photos Supernova Nationals 2021 - Peter Mackin (pdmphoto.co.uk)

Last updated 16:57 on 21 April 2025