A distant but perfect location set the scene for the Boss nationals held at Stone sailing club. The 4-day event with Neil Fulcher as an excellent accommodating race officer had the difficult task of pleasing the fleet. He will be noted for his fast turnaround of races, ensuring maximum time spent using the excellent club facilities.

Day one kicked off with a 10-15 knot breeze with windward leeward and trapezoid courses. Last yearìs runner up; fresh from Kiel week Team Frederikson Mark Asquith crewed by Matt Howard started the series off with a convincing win. The fleet chased close behind, which proved the racing would be competitive. The final race of the day was a trapezoid course, which left some of the fleet sailing in the wrong direction, leaving Asquith/Howard to win his final bullet of the day, and an overnight lead. Team Pirate FM Tim Cunliffe/Vicki Watling put in a consist day of two seconds, and had to settle for second place overnight.

The second day ís racing had a similar weather forecast with 3 races forecasted for the day. Team Pirate Cunliffe/Watling and Team Frederikson fought all the way to the windward mark. The rest of the fleet was not far behind, with new faces chasing the leaders all the time. Stitch Print Neil Connelly/Mick Green provided some stiff competition with Geoff Kimber and 505 stand in helm Ian Montague, on the pace but not quite enough to catch Frederickson Asquith/Howard and Pirate FM Cunliffe/Watling.

Day three produced a new intake of weekend sailors, but unfortunately no wind at all. The fleet decided on a postponement till the afternoon. Although the fleet launched partly to Baza/Allen proving that there possibly was some wind in the bay. Unfortunately the tide was too strong to set a course, and racing was abandoned for the day.

With an enjoyable night due to the live band, the fleet was highly motivated for the final dayìs racing. The wind did not materialise for the proposed start, but the race officer was able to set a course after a short postponement. With a mixture of boats using the newer design mast, the fleet was changing places all the time. Team Frederikson after a good start, eventually lead at the windward mark. Peter Bennett sailing with a new main and mast rocketed to chase Asquith/Howard. Stitch Print sailed a good race, which proved that weight, did not make too much difference in the light wind conditions.

Overall the best two days racing were on the first two days, which after Team Pirate FMìs consistant series, did not enable them to catch Team Frederikson, who had consistant bullets, proved that their consistant practice and knowledge of the boat paid off. A number of boats like Stitch Print and Addeco raced well, and took top five placing, and as newcomers to the fleet, bode well for future events.

Thanks go to Stone Sailing Club as excellent hosts, plus Race Officer Neil Fulcher. Also to our generous sponsor Tacktick.