Tornado UK Nationals

By Andrew Dowley- UK Tornado Nationals – The Final Day
The third and final day of Reg Fest and the UK Tornado National Championships was another windy one. The sailors woke up to rain and gusts coming through the sailing club.
The race officer was happy with conditions on the race course so the boats headed out for more racing, it had to be the big day for races due to the previous conditions.
Some teams stayed back on shore today and some picked and chose which races they wanted to take part in, the wind was blowing but the forecast ensured us that it would calm down towards the end of the day.
With four boats on the start line for the first race the big battle was going to be between Grant Piggot and Ryan Duffield, Ryan was hoping to add to his Hurricane victory earlier in the year. The racing was close between the fleet and it was looking like Ryan Duffield and Thilo Keller were going to take victory until they had an unfortunate swim going through the gate on their way to the finish line. Grant and Robby quickly came through to take victory.
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The last race of the day turned into a match race with only two competitors left out and ready to start, it was Paul Mines and Stewart Smith vs Lee Harrison and Andrew Dowley. Both quick off the start line it was a good race on the first leg but Lee Harrison chose to tack early into clean air. Paul Mines continued and was first around the windward mark, although taking different routes up and down the race course the two were swapping places and it was very quick close action racing. Lee Harrison and Andrew Dowley eventually pulled through on the downwind leg to take race victory.
With 5 out of 7 wins Grant Piggot and Robby Jon-Garka took this year’s National Championships – Congratulations to them.
As an association it was great to see so many sailors out who are passionate about the Tornado, the racing was very close and action packed – exactly what we wanted.
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A big thank you must go to Brightlingsea Sailing Club for running a fantastic event in tricky conditions.
Final Results
1. Grant Piggot and Robby Jon-Garka (GBR)
2. Kyle Stoneham and Lewis Crawford (GBR)
3. Ryan Duffield and Thilo Keller (AUS and GER)
4. Paul Mines and Stewart Smith (GBR)
5. Lee Harrison and Andrew Dowley (GBR)
6. John Ready and Simon Koster (GBR and SUI)
7. Barry Arnison and Nicky Davy (GBR)
8. Peter Gibb and Matthew Stone (AUS)
9. David Allan and Dave Wood (GBR)
10. Jim Mundy and Nick Henson (GBR)
11. Richard Thoroughgood and Kevin Lott (GBR)
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Photos
https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=238104&l=23a28d049c&id=166607964322
All photos are courtesy of Geoff Gritton – www.tb4e.com