A total of 6 Stokes Bay Dart boats entered the Dart 18 Nationals at Mumbles YC over the first weekend of July making Stokes Bay the second largest visiting contingent. For most, it was the first big fleet racing since 2019, so it was great to get back to the challenge.
Even though it was in Wales, the sun was shining for the first day (rain soon followed) and over the 3 days the winds were mostly light, but one race was in classic Mumbles conditions, onshore with 15 – 18 knots. At the front of the fleet, there was more or less a match race for the overall title with Rob Garka and Fi from Worthing just beating SBSC couple Dave and Louise Roberts.
The final day started on equal points, but the Worthing couple had a much better final day in the very light winds. SBSC sailor David Lloyd and Jo-Jo finished 5th overall having started so promisingly by winning the first race of the Championship.
Other Stokes Bay boats were sailing single-handed, which is always difficult downwind and the final positions were – 11th Andy Kelley, 14th Andy McQueen, 16th Gary Piper, 35th Will Stefanou.
Well done Team SB!