Impala Nationals 2013 – Final report

The final day of the 2013 Impala Nationals in Weymouth produced some champagne sailing conditions – and some changes in position throughout the fleet of 12 boats.

A shifty breeze from between 240 and 265 degrees ensured there were big gains – and losses to be made. The first race, despite some confusion over the windward mark had Imelda first, with Fearnought second and Magic, showing an impressive turn of speed in their first nationals, in third. The second race saw a big left shift right on the starting gun, which gave Magic a cracking start. She led for much of the race, but couldn’t quite hold off Fearnought, who took first. Magic was second, with Zulu third, Imelda fourth and Polly fifth.

At the end of the weekend, Robbie Boalch’s Imelda narrowly defended their win from 2012, finishing on equal points with Matt Dodd’s Fearnought but edging ahead on countback. She also won the ‘furthest travelled’ trophy. Polly finished a point ahead of Magic to take third. George Beevor and Olly Bewes on Magic won the Best Newcomer trophy for a fantastic performance in their first nationals with the boat. Barney Smith’s Imptish won the prize for most spectacular incident after a crewmember was hospitalised with a dislocated knee.

Thanks must go to Weymouth Sailing Club for hosting the event, and to the event’s supporters  –  Raymarine, Force 4 Chandlery, Goacher Sails, North Sails, Banks Sails, One Sails and Dolphin Sails, as well as to Gap Communications and NIX Digital – we really appreciate the support. Thanks to all competitors for helping make the event so successful – we’ll see you all next year!

Photos will follow!

Full results are on the Weymouth Regatta website: