Long-promised: There was wind. All morning the white horses were visible all over the race area with dark patches passing downwind suggesting exciting rides to come. Antidote to Panel Games was in the lead and to lose it had to finish below third place in all three races, and Atum Bom had to win all three. It was windy and a change in conditions like this can bring a real change in fortunes.

An even line got the fleet away cleanly in weather windy enough for there to be tack-derived swims for Antidote. Despite their speed and tactical expertise they were only able to pull back to 6th place. Atum was soon to capitalise and stretched away to win. There was a band of heavier air offshore so pretty much everyone did bear-away hoists and headed over there to engage warp-drive. The spectators on the shore enjoyed the blasting and the the occasional swims (including a notable full cartwheel from Cherub Dæmon). many sailors chose to drop early and reach in to the mark to use as much of the stronger airs off shore as possible.

Here the wind had gone round more northerly, and was continuing to go right, so the hard-right hitters on the beat came out on top. Downwind there was the issue of standing on to the bigger breezes, or gybing left for the favoured shoft. During this races both approaches saw gains at different times, though the major skill for good speed was preventing the sails from being completely immersed. Conservative actions from Antidote brought them the win and the nationals and they went in to celebrate and nurse their broken bodies.

More of the same - To secure second place Atum needed better than 6th or thereabouts. This they did by winning, placing Usagi Yojimbo in 3rd and Riot Van in 4th.

Post-race blasting made sure everyone was properly knackered before going ashore.

The prize-giving dinner and wind-down allowed everyone to congratulate Chris Lewns and Tom Pygall on their win of the Simpson Cup (awarded this year for the 59th time). Other prize winners included Jill Peters (Silver Teapot - first lady), Eddie Bridle (First Junior), Beth Barnes (Second Junior), James Hamilton and Digby Still (Nick Mason Trophy - Best improver), Phil and Sarah Kirk (Prix d'elegance - Best looking boat), Dean Ralphe (The Ashes - worst breakage), Nick Pratt (The Spanking Paddle - most disreputable off-the-water behaviour).

It will be four long years before we return to Largo Bay for what is now a traditional Cherub pilgrammage. We were pleased that the number of builds is up, as is the number of nationals attenders. Perhaps it is the thill-factor, perhaps it is the fun-factor, but Cherubs, now and every year since 1951 have been putting indelible smiles on faces of young (our youngest competitor - in a classic boat from the 1960's - was 11) and old alike.

Next year is 2011, the 60th year of Cherubs. There will be a special nationals at a venue with loads of Cherub history and many other events celebrating that the best things are often found in the smallest of packages. See you there!