2026 Vortex National Championship at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club
by Phil Whitehead 1 Jun 21:28 BST
30-31 May 2026
Jonathan Lister from the home club, after a 3 year medical lay off came back on form to win the 2026 championship. He joined boats from London and four from Scotland to enjoy the fabulous sunshine and force 3-5 all weekend.
The first race of 4 on Saturday started of quite shifty with Jonathan Carter from Rickmondsworth taking the win with light wind to his forte. Jonathan Lister from Yorkshire Dales came in second with Angus Winchester from Castle Semple just behind . The wind came up for the next three races favouring JL who took a good lead in the second race Angus with JC third. Mick Collins from North Berwick (ex YDSC) came 4th and starting to get quicker as the wind increased.
The wind was picking up to 25 mph plus by the 3rd race. JL took this one from JC with Angus and Mick 4th. Nick Fleming from St Andrews had retired by now and decided to shoot some footage from his drone.
The tired sailors took off to the clubhouse for a catchup and soak in the hot tub provided by the class association and a great curry.
The forecast of F4 plus for Sunday was correct and it gave perfect conditions for the vortex to show its pace. Alec blasted of the line and was not to be caught, by JL and Angus. Jonathan won the 6th race and realising with 2 discards he could retired from the last race. Alec came second with Angus just behind.
It was decided to keep the last race under 25 minutes as the remains fleet looked exhausted. JC won this this Angus second and Alec following. There were numerous capsizes from Alec but mainly Mick!
So Jonathan Lister brings the trophy back north after 3 years to the Yorkshire Dales.
A big thanks to Ben Dearden as ARO who helped keep the turnarounds fast and the rib team who were kept busy on Sunday.
A great weekend sailing in the Yorkshire Dales.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1164 | Jonathan Lister | Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club | ‑2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | (DNC) | 6 |
| 2nd | 2018 | Jonathan Carter | Rickmansworth SC | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | ‑4 | ‑4 | 1 | 9 |
| 3rd | 1175 | Alec Glendinning | Solway Sailing Club | ‑4 | ‑5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 13 |
| 4th | 1181 | Angus Winchester | Castle Semple SC | ‑3 | 2 | 3 | ‑4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 13 |
| 5th | 1117 | Mick Collins | ELYC North Berwick Sailing Club | ‑5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | (DNC) | 4 | 23 |
| 6th | 1208 | Nick Fleming | St Andrews SC | (DNC) | 6 | 6 | 6 | (RET) | DNC | DNC | 32 |
