F18 Nationals at Pagham Y.C
The F18 fleet returned to Pagham Yacht Club on the South coast of England where last years open was such a success the fleet unanimously declared it worthy of a nationals venue for 2025, with racing scheduled for three days starting on Friday the weather gods looked to be on our side as four hotly contested races were completed in quick succession by the Race Team of Andy Grout and Crew.
Last year’s winners Simon Northrop and Caleb Cooper came out punching and pinged in four straight wins, but the chasing pack were only separated by two points overnight with last years bridesmaids Nick Barnes / James Stacey again lying in second place followed by Adam Piggott with new Crew Reece Web in third. The local Tiger of Mark Sewell / Ali York suffered irreparable damage on day 1 so had to sadly sit out the rest of the event but newcomers to the fleet Stuart Ashwood/Sam Atherton who had also suffered damage in a capsize managed to get their boat repaired for day 2.
Saturdays racing got underway with five races planned in a steady breeze but every now and then squalls would come through to mix up the fleet, Northrop/Cooper had a consistent day but Barnes/Stacey and Piggott/Web both scored two race wins apiece to put some pressure on them, William Sunnucks back sailing with Simon Farren both having to Leave their yachts behind for this event were showing glimpses of speed along with Smith Siblings Will/Megan in their new edge also showing plenty of pace to keep the leading pack in touch.
The Excellent Race Officer and Team again got the racing in with quick turnarounds between races meaning the fleet could enjoy a leisurely early afternoon evening at the host club although most of the night was spent number crunching to see who needed to do what for the next day to the sound of DJ Fraz meister who was mixing the tunes in the background.
With 1 race planned for Sunday and two discards already kicked in and a strong Building Breeze the fleet decided with the F18 Worlds and Raid Worlds just around the corner it was best to not risk damaging the boats and an early pack up ensued.
The podium places were the same as 2024 with Piggott/Web in Third, Barnes/Stacey in Second and Northrop/Cooper successfully retaining their title to take the win.
The Fleet have already vowed to return to the Excellent Hosts Pagham Y.C for an event for 2026 and hope to return stronger than ever.