Harlequin Wins Plymouth J70 Nationals

The final day of the J70 Nationals in Plymouth was most looking forward to after the high windy previous day race. As it was a three lap race format, the participants were fully aware that the fortunes can quickly change in this tight fleet race.

The first race of the day saw a variable breeze of 10 to 14 knots and it was dropped as well. To add to this, there was rolling swell also. All this meant that the sailors should have greater control over their sail. The Harlequin crew continued from where they left off the previous day with a first bullet that saw them extend their overall lead.

After the first race, the top position looked more than secured and it was now the battle for the rest of the podium finishes. Shiver helmed by Ian Williams was putting up a consistent performance and was placed in the 5th position on race 9 and this took it to the second place overall.

The last race, which was backed by the kind guys at Yacht Charter in Trogir, was a pressure filled one with 19 closely matched one design boats getting a general recall. The second attempt by the boats was clean and Patrick Liardet helmed Cosmic was able to sneak past the other boats and completed the regatta on a bullet. This race saw both Shiver and Cosmic finish on equal points and Cosmic was able to finish in 2nd by beating Shiver on count back. Cosmic also took home the Corinthian team title.

The young crew award went to the Yeti and its skipper Jack Davies. The best senior crew award was given to Ian Wilson and his Shiver and the top mixed crew was bagged by Simon Cavey and Just 4 Play. Harlequin won the overall championship with a net of 22 points, with Cosmic and Shiver finishing 2nd and 3rd on 38 points.