The 2003 National Championships of the exciting Race1 Ker 11.3 class took place in Torbay under the excellent management of the Royal Torbay YC. Conditions were very tricky with initially moderate winds, gusting up to 18kts or more but blowing from the north making it very streaky and shifty off the land. For the second and third day the wind was very light and patchy and only 8 out of the planned 10 races could be sailed.

The conditions did not stop I-Site, owned by Robbie Cameron-Davies and helmed by Philip Crebbin, from building up an impregnable lead after six races over the first two days with a second place and then five consecutive wins, but only after some hard fights and much place changing. Minnie the Moocher, owned and helmed by Anthony Richards, then won the last two races to take second place overall and first owner-driver.

Fair Do’s V, owned by John Shepherd, helmed by John Greenland and winner of IRC Class 1 in the previous Torbay Royal Regatta (with Minnie second), won the first race and was lying second overall at the end of the first day after four races. Unfortunately spreader damage that was believed to have been caused from an accident when the boat was launched before the Fastnet became apparent and prevented their competing further. Their good results on the first day were enough to keep them in third place overall, beating El Gringo, owned and helmed by Nick Hartshorn who had been unable to make the first day, on tie-break. Fifth was Blue Belle, owned and helmed by Michael Cover. Unfortunately David Pinner’s Cracker was unable to make it back from the east coast and Keith McCullagh’s new Skipjack was not able to hit the water in time. But still the fun of one-design racing boats like the 11.3 made it a great event that everybody enjoyed.