The UK open and nationals of the UK Splash dinghy class was held over the weekend of the 7-8 September 2002 under the auspices of the Aldeburgh Yacht Club in Suffolk. The event attracted 22 entries, and resulted in close racing over both days, with a combination of both sea and river courses, with winds from Force 1-5 over the two days requiring both mental and physical stamina.

Conditions were overcast on the first day with winds of Force 2-3 and a smooth sea and a breaking swell. The decision was made to sail at sea and boats were launched, with some difficulty. Two races were held with increasing winds, and as it proved difficult to bring boats back ashore the last race of the day was held in the river, where, with the wind increasing to Force 5-6 an exciting race was held. At the end of the day Jon Frary (sail no 708) held the overnight lead.

Sunday morning started dull and wet with little or no wind, but a steady westerly of about Force 2 filled in, in time for a good course to be laid upriver with the last of the flood under the boats, requiring a certain amount of skill to overcome wind against tide problems. By the second race the wind had died away, and the start proved difficult for most of the sailors, as there was barely enough wind to take boats against the ebb tide. However, those who were strong willed and determined made slow progress and about half the fleet succeeded in completing the race.

Overall Results

1st Jon Frary – Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club – aged 14

2nd Chris Schonhut – Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club – aged 14

3rd Andrew Cresdee – Aldeburgh Yacht Club aged 15

4th James Large – Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club aged 14

5th Ritchie Dugdale -Horning SC aged 17

6th Jack Gifford – Slaughdon SC aged 15

Youngest competitor -Tim Frary – Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club aged 13

First lady – Pippa Girling – Norfolk Punt Club – aged 14

Prize for endeavour – Ellen Stevens – Hickling Sailing Club aged 17

Under 14 – Tom Marfleet – Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club aged 13

Under 16 – Chris Schonhut