Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot
5 Star Rated by Sailors
Trusted For 13 Years
Over 55,000+ Orders Shipped
90 Day Risk Free Returns
Price Match Promise
Fast Dispatch and a 5 Star Customer Rated Service
August 08, 2018 3 min read
Trevor Chanter reports on his recent National 18 sailing on the River Blackwater.
The 18 English Championships was hosted at Blackwater SC over the first weekend in July. Having never sailed on the East Coast before it looked to present some interesting challenges with a narrow launch area into the tide, a relatively long sail to the race area off Osea island, varying levels of mud and it was breezy on the Saturday.
The sail out to the race area was fairly uneventful despite some strong gusts coming down the estuary. The 18s are split between the new and old designs and at the English Championships we were all sailing together despite the significant performance difference. This made starting interesting but once on the beat we were able to sail our own course, for nearly 20 minutes to the windward mark. Three races done and it was time to head back against the ebb tide. As usual we dropped the main within easy drift of the clubhouse, or so I thought. The wind dropped at the same time so we were heading backwards into the returning Optimist fleet until a light gust pushed into the shore. Sunday saw a little drop in the wind with another 3 races completed and the mainsail stayed up for the return. We were 1st Ultimate.
Two weeks after the Blackwater event the National Championships took place at West Mersea. We were pleasantly surprised by Mersea, the area was picturesque, the locals very friendly and West Mersea Yacht Club provided a good base for the week along with Dabchicks SC. Having arrived a little later than planned we sailed out to the practice race area but the race had started by the time we were there. We had four days of three races back to back with one rest day ahead so we did not stay out for too long. The loads on the National 18 can be large so saving energy was likely to be useful.
The tides presented a significant challenge when getting out to the sail area. We launched as the tide was flooding but still low so the channels were narrow and dotted with moored yachts, ribs, fishing boats, smacks etc. One day with the wind directly down the channel we were tacking every 10 seconds or so, only one 18 lost its rudder!
The other issue was seaweed. The race area seemed to have a lot, maybe helped by the warm weather, which meant checking the foils just before every race. We did forget once and were slower as a result.
There were a many highlights. We had been unable to beat a very well sailed, carbon rigged Ultimate from the Isle of Man until the final day. The wind had picked up in the second race and strong gusts were hitting every few minutes. As we approached the windward mark we were, as usual, 50 metres behind when I called out “gust”. Just ahead the “unbeatable” 18 ahead capsized and we sailed by. The rescue boat was already hovering and we could see three heads but it was going to take them a while to get going. Overall it was great to be racing against other 18s in a lovely sailing area.
We could not repeat the division win from last year at Hayling but secured second behind the carbon rigged 18 from the IOM.
The National 18 is a 3 person boat and requires a co-ordinated crew to get the most from its potential. Therefore I must thank William for his expertise at the front and Lucy Smith for her enduring patience in the middle. Also, A big thank you to SailingChandlery.com for their support,
Trevor Chanter
National 18 (346)
A chandlery was the only place I could think where to get this. It's actually the strengthen the post for our washing line the steel wire (hoops both ends fitting diagonally from top of clothes post to base of another post 2 meters away supporting trellis between. The length of steel wire will soon disappear in the foliage & should provide addition structural support for many years.
Service was excellent with the length being ready before the expected date.
Worn these for a few races now and they have been excellent. Really high performing. They are grippy and super supportive even without using the zhik toe straps. I’ve raved about them so much that my crew and colleagues at the club have now also bought the same ones
Ordered this when my son's training sail got rippd in action. Pleased to find it here 20% cheaper than anywhere else and as always delivered correctly and in great time. Thankyou
The bag is well made and large enough for halyards as well as other items. I have used the 3M fixings but these are not really adequate and so the bags will need to be screwed in place.
I would buy again.
Delivery was on time. The O rings fitted the hatches on my topper topaz. No issues excellent service
I ordered the hiking pads for my son who was very pleased with them. The order was delivered within a few days. I’ve ordered items before from sailing chandlery and have not been disappointed with the service I received. Thank you
Loads of space in this bag for all of my kit, extra pockets are very helpful and the compartment inside keeps my dry and wet kit apart. Would recommend.
Not actually for a Topper but for a sailing canoe I have built. Pleased with the quality, delivered promptly, just the job thank you!
I’m using this with the Clamcleat CL211 and they pair perfectly. Strong and with the stiffness that I was looking for. Really pleased with the purchase and excellent quick service.
These work fantastically. Used with 6mm rope they grip instantly. Easy to adjust in small amounts and lock in with no effort at all. I was concerned that when the pressure comes off that the rope would release, but this isn’t the case at all. Really pleased with the purchase and rapid delivery.
Just what we needed, bought a second hand Topper, needed new ropes, sorted..Fitting instructions could be clearer for novices.
Very speedy delivery, and the special short length is just what I ordered. Ordering couldn’t have been simpler. Excellent service.
Harken block
Bought when I changed the wheels - arrived well wrapped with the wheels and on time. Easy to fit quality product. Good service
Easy to fit and seem to be robust as a replacement for my Trolley wheels. Arrived as promised very well wrapped. Worth checking if you need new washers and clips to add to your order.
Save up to 40%on your next order.