2000 Update
Published 20:31 on 3 Sep 2025
Jonny Hepworth writes: "Beaten by a 9 year old" is a phrase I have heard quite a few times over the last week or so since the 2000 Nationals at Hayling Island SC. Okay okay .. it is true that previous Skiff world champion, Sam Pascoe, previous winner of the 2K national championships, had his 9 year old son Ben, who I quote is "planning to go to the Olympics!" driving this year, and what a job he did whitewashing many of the seasoned 2K circuit sailors with straight bullets after discards. This is testament to what a diverse boat for all ages the 2K is, allowing world champions and their families to race competitively against old chaps like me in a national championship, so no excuses for you to hire one of the Club boats and get out there!
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The week consisted of 5 days of racing with a lay day halfway through to give the likes of me the chance to spend a day in Radox getting ready for the 2nd half! We had 3 days of mid to strong winds and then 2 days of lighter winds - these clearly suited light crews, and Ben/Sam at an all-in 115kg made the most of the conditions. With 2 races a day, the course was out in Hayling Bay and included its well-known East Solent chop which many of us were not used to, never really being able to get into a groove. ESC entered 3 crews, which to be honest was pretty poor considering the talent we have here and that it was only 5 miles away, so we took quite a bit of flack for it from other clubs. John Cooper/Matt Wright, Beanie Southern/Rob Southern and Nikki Lomax and I flew the ESC flag.
My goal was to make the top half given the many regular circuit sailors that were competing plus the top HM forces teams, which with 62 boats on the start line meant top 30. We scraped into 28th, just pipping John/Matt as first ESC boat, which I was happy with. Beanie and Rob nailed many of the starts, even getting a mention in both the post-sailing drone reviews and Yachts and Yachting, which for her first 2K nationals was a fantastic accolade. Just a quick mention re the Club boats, John and Matt used one of the Club boats for the racing and I can testify, they were fast! .. So please be assured our Club boats are in fine fettle and are competitive!
The 2K Association put on many socials, including quizzes, beach games, free merchandise and post-race coaching sessions to really emphasise that this is a fun event where other competitors are keen to help you get better and to come again!
So to next year, Brightlingsea SC host the 2026 2K National Championships, (15 August.) I will be there, and I hope some of you might come too and experience a great event. Please do come and use the Club 2Ks - great handicap and ready to race or cruise, if you want a try out, or just some advice on the 2K, please do get in touch.