Nathan triumphs at Barry regatta (From Barry And District News)

Nathan triumphs at Barry regatta

BARRY Yacht Club's two-day regatta has been held at the Waterfront.

The event, sponsored by Westbury Homes, was held in Barry Docks for the third year running.

Local sailors from the Vale of Glamorgan competed against others from Mumbles, Llandegfedd, Llangors and Margam.

This local regatta was also the last leg of the Welsh Yachting Association's 2004 club youth championship circuit.

The event was well supported, with 30 boats from eight South Wales clubs involved.

Winds on Saturday were exceptionally strong, blowing a regular Force 5 and gusting even stronger.

The following day brought much more acceptable conditions and a fine day's sport.

All competitors took part in five races and were allowed to discard their least successful outing.

Leading the field as he has done throughout each of the events on the circuit this year, Nathan Bailey Barry YC and Cardiff Bay sailed his Optimist to first place in the gold class. Second in the class was Ben Pritchard Mumbles and third Hannah Tilley Llandegfedd.

Among the Toppers, Adrian Davies and Andy Joseph Mumbles filled the first two places, with Jon Dallimore next in the table.

There was a special mention for Nicholas Keeble of Barry for his performance in the silver class.

Winner of the general handicap class were the Herbert Evanses Mumbles in their 420, followed by Lewis Griffiths of the same club in his Laser, with the Burtons 420 from Barry in a respectable fifth place.

Cups and trophies were presented by Sharon Burton and Elaine Greaves of Westbury Homes. Iwan Basten of the Welsh Yachting Association expressed thanks to members of Barry YC for their excellent organisation and their valued assistance in getting boats in and out of the water, particularly in the high winds of the first day.

Speaking on behalf of Barry Yacht Club, Commodore Roger Donkin thanked principal sponsors Westbury Homes and also acknowledged the assistance of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Crefft Kitchens and Golley Slater, without whose additional financial support the event could not have been held.

He acknowledged also the cooperation received from Associated British Ports in allowing the regatta to take place once again at Barry Waterfront.