West Country Boat Repairs 2000 Millennium Series Round 4 at Shoreham Sailing Club

West Country Boat Repairs 2000 Millennium Series Round 4 at Shoreham © SSC

The 2000 Class fleet arrived at Shoreham Yacht Club this weekend for the fourth round of the West Country Boat Repairs Millennium Series, held as part of the club's Festival of the Sea celebrations.

Yet again, an impressive turnout of 24 boats demonstrated the strength and popularity of the 2000 Class fleet. With competitors travelling from clubs across the country, the event highlighted the class's continued appeal and the enthusiasm of sailors committed to competitive yet friendly racing.

It was especially great to have Guy and Julie back on the water after missing the first few West Country Boat Repairs Millennium Series events of the season. It was also great to see Adrian and Sally making their first appearance away from their home club of Stone Sailing Club, joining the circuit at Shoreham. The fleet very much hopes to see both crews at more events in the series going forward.

The first day of racing delivered 8-15 knots of breeze, providing excellent conditions for the opening three races. Moderate waves across the race area added an extra dimension to the competition, rewarding crews who were able to work with the sea state rather than fight against it.

Finding the right rhythm through the water proved beneficial, with those able to link gusts and maintain boat speed gaining significant advantages on both upwind and downwind legs.

West Country Boat Repairs 2000 Millennium Series Round 4 at Shoreham - photo © SSC

The opening race of the weekend provided plenty of drama. Adrian and Jessica made an excellent start to the series, leading the fleet around the first windward mark and successfully holding off the challenge from Simon and Katie on the run to the leeward mark. However, on the second beat they missed sailing through the start/finish line as required and were forced to retrace their steps to correct the mistake. Unfortunately, several boats followed them and were also caught out by the error.

Simon and Katie avoided the confusion, sailed the correct course, and inherited the lead. From there they sailed a composed race to maintain their advantage and secure the first race victory of the weekend. Behind them, Matt and Ollie Larkin produced a strong performance to claim second place, while Jay and Alice completed the podium in third after a consistently solid race.

Race 2 saw a real battle between Jonathon and Haydon and the Larkins throughout the race, with the two boats swapping the lead on multiple occasions. Neither crew was willing to give an inch, and the fight between them became one of the most closely contested duels of the weekend. Jonathan and Haydon ultimately took the win. The Larkins continued their strong form from the opening race to secure second place, while Pete and Sophie completed the podium in third after a consistent and controlled display.

West Country Boat Repairs 2000 Millennium Series Round 4 at Shoreham - photo © SSC

There was also misfortune for Simon and Katie, who suffered a broken rudder during the race. Despite the setback, they showed impressive determination to continue—proving that directional control is apparently optional in the 2000 Class—and still managed to complete the course, albeit inevitably slipping further down the order.

Race 3 produced one of the more unusual stories of the weekend, as Simon and Kate took to the course without a functioning rudder and still managed an impressive mid-fleet finish. At that point, most sailors would have retired for a quiet rethink of life choices, but they instead demonstrated remarkable commitment (and a healthy tolerance for drifting sideways).

At the front of the fleet, Pete and Sophie produced one of the decisive moves of the day. After rounding the windward mark in third place, they worked through the fleet and went through the second leeward gate in first, never relinquishing the lead from that point to take a well-earned race win. Consistency once again paid off for Matt and Ollie Larkin, who finished second, while the Chings completed the podium in third.

Sunday began with hopes of a classic sea breeze developing in the warmer and clearer conditions. Following a postponement afloat while waiting for the breeze to establish itself, competitors made the most of the delay with a relaxed atmosphere on the water. Many of the younger sailors — and more than a few of the older ones — took the opportunity to jump into the English Channel for a swim around the boats near the start line, adding to the friendly and social spirit of the fleet.

West Country Boat Repairs 2000 Millennium Series Round 4 at Shoreham - photo © SSC

When racing eventually got under way, Simon and Katie recovered strongly from a difficult start in which a port-tack dip at the line caused a small pile-up among nearby boats. Undeterred, they worked their way through the fleet and were leading by lap two, impressively extending their advantage over Adrian and Jessica as the race developed.

However, as the breeze remained patchy, the final downwind leg became a test of patience and luck in equal measure. Jonathon and Louisa executed this perfectly, sailing a more conservative but highly effective line further to the outside of the course where the breeze remained steadier. Their decision paid off as they steadily closed a large deficit, moving through the fleet to take a well-earned second place. Crucially, this result secured them the overall event win once the final two scheduled races were abandoned due to a lack of wind.

With no further racing possible, the event was brought to an early conclusion.

Shoreham Yacht Club delivered an excellent event both on and off the water. Volunteers, race officials and safety crews ensured that racing ran smoothly, while competitors enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere.

West Country Boat Repairs 2000 Millennium Series Round 4 at Shoreham - photo © SSC

It was great to see Adrian and Sally winning the Silver Fleet in their first event away from their home club, a very popular result within the fleet.

As the fourth event in the West Country Boat Repairs Millennium Series calendar, Shoreham provided another important and well-attended round in the season, reinforcing the strength and depth of the 2000 Class fleet.

Following the prize-giving, competitors departed Shoreham with attention turning to the next event in the series on 18th July at Chichester, and the continuing battle for overall honours.

Overall Results:

First non-podium family - Adrian & Jessica Stell
Silver Fleet Winner: Adrian & Sally