Artemis 2011 International 14 World Championships – 3^rd World Title secured

The last day of racing at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) provided a nail biting finish to the championships. David Campbell-James, the Principal Race Officer did a fantastic job to squeeze in Races 6 and 7 before the 1400 time limit, especially considering the fleet arrived out in Weymouth bay to be greeted by a fickle and variable south-easterly breeze and a postponement.

The World title was still up for grabs with Roger Gilbert and Ben McCrane 2 points ahead of Archie Massey and Dan Wilsdon. Only two firsts would ensure victory for Archie and Dan, whereas Roger and Ben required a 6th or better and to beat Archie and Dan in either race. Hot on the heels of the top two boats was third place boat Katie Nurton and Nigel Ash who were just 6 points off first so could not be discounted.

Race 6 – The sixth race got underway on the second start under the black flag and in 8 knots of wind. Roger and Ben footed out right to cover Archie and Dan, who were trying to recover from a punchy start at the committee boat end. By the first mark Roger rounded 6th and Archie 12th. Meanwhile Katie and Nigel had wiped out the points deficit by leading the race early on. By the end of the race Glen Truswell and Chris Blackburn had pulled out a large lead to take first, followed by Katie and Nigel in second and in third the local boat of Sam Pascoe and Alex Knight. Unfortunately Katie was called OCS, and in doing so dropped out of contention for the title. The title contenders continued their battle with Roger and Ben keeping a loose cover over Archie and Dan, and both finishing with their worst results of the regatta a 7^th and a 10^th.

Race 7 - The final race loomed with Archie and Dan requiring a win and Roger and Ben requiring a seventh or better. After one general recall, the black flag was pulled out and the warning signal sounded ten minutes before the last start cut off time. The wind had built to 13 knots. The two contenders shot out the line, neck and neck, with Archie and Dan just squeezing out Roger and Ben on the port lay into the top mark. The positions remained the same, never more than ten yards apart for the 3 lap race. Roger and Ben took the lead on the final beat, when Archie and Dan undercooked the starboard layline. The Canadian pairing of Billy Gooderham and Ian Hogan in their Killing 3 were running a solid 3^rd and finished the with the best result of their series. The drama was not over as Roger and Ben crossed the finish line to no sound signal. They were unfortunately black-flagged at the start and in doing so handed the race win and World Championship title to Archie and Dan.

Overall - Archie and Dan were crowned World Champions for an unprecedented 3^rd time, Roger and Ben finished second and Katie and Nigel third. British, Australian and German boats made up the remaining top ten positions and a full set of results and be found on the event website www.i14worlds.com

The two week championships concluded with an excellent prize giving dinner at the Weymouth Pavilion. Evening entertainment was provided by the ‘Crews Union’, who flexed their muscle to punish many unsuspecting helms for various crimes committed throughout the year. Partying continued in Weymouth’s finest nightclub with discussion turning to Canada and the 2013 Toronto Worlds Championship to be hosted by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

Follow all the action with race updates on the event website www.i14worlds.com as well as on Twitter @Artemis14worlds

Artemis 2011 International 14 World Championships – ‘Don’t Hassle the Hoff’

The i14 fleet found themselves in a situation today waiting for the AP to come down, this time however the cause was different – no wind! PRO David Campbell- James, monitored the situation in both Weymouth bay and Portland harbour. The fleet were finally sent out at about 14:00 and were greeted by 5-7 knots with perfect sunshine.

Race Four: Richard Mason and George Nurton sailing ‘The Hoff’ resplendent in their muscle bound fancy dress outfits, came fast out of the port end of the line never to be headed building a comfortable lead by the first mark. Tom Heywood and Ed Clay followed next, and then Kris Henderson and Joe Bersch in the new Beiker 6 showing great pace, Achie Massey and Dan Wilsden rounded in fourth with Katie Nurton and Nigel Ash in fifth, Event leaders Roger Gilbert and Ben McGrane rounding next. As the race progressed Archie and Dan moved forwards into second with Roger and Ben chasing hard. Richard and George took a convincing win, whereupon all eyes moved to the ongoing battle for the championships, the result of this heat was yet again decided on the final run when Roger and Ben found better pressure to take second from Archie and Dan.