Glenn Bourke and his crew aboard Musto were able to watch the fleet head to the starting area on the last day of the HR Owen Laser SB3 National Championship from the comfort of the yacht club, confident in the knowledge that six wins and a second had won them the overall prize.

It wasn’t an option for those vying for places with only four points separating Doolalli (Colin Simonds), 3 Sad Old Blokes (Jeremy Hill) and Spank the Monkey (Nigel Olive-Jones).

Conditions were again blustery with the wind building through the race from 19-25 knots and wind over tide forcing a choice between waves and strong fair tide or less tide in the flatter waters along the shore.

3 Sad Old Blokes came into the first leeward mark just inches ahead of Mr Skiddy (Peter Kennedy). But Hill and his crew demonstrated exceptional boat handling in the chop and made the right calls on the wind shifts to open up a 200m advantage which they held for the remainder of the race.

Spank the Monkey was third behind Mr Skiddy while Colin Simonds had to be satisfied with a sixth place and third overall in the regatta.

The championship, the last event in the Henri-Lloyd Laser SB3 Series, was deemed a huge success and the hosts, West Mersea Yacht Club and Dabchicks Sailing Club, were praised for ensuring great courses and race management on the water and excellent social events in the evening.

Thanking the organisers, champion Glenn Bourke said he wouldn’t hesitate to return to West Mersea and the River Blackwater for another regatta. “You guys know how to put on a great event in the friendliest of atmospheres. I’ll be back.”