Autumn Series at Hollowell Sailing Club - Final Day
by Robin Buxton 29 Oct 2013 04:01 AEDT
26-27 October 2013
Simon King heading out for the final races of the Hollowell Autumn Series © Robin Buxton
This weekend saw the final two races of the Saturday Autumn Series take place. With the evenings drawing in, it also marked the end of Saturday racing at the club for this year. After six weeks of competition racing, it was Ian Clark who claimed the top spot; having won 7 of the 12 races in this series. Keith Miller, who has also performed strongly, finished the series second overall, whilst Simon King claimed third place.
However the big event of the weekend was the Ice Tankard Open event. Whilst many people around the UK were battening down the hatches ahead of an impending storm, 15 brave sailors (including 8 Juniors!) were out on the water competing in this annual event. The event attracts sailors from all over and this year included entries from Rutland SC, Oxford SC and Trent Valley.
Sailing conditions for the event were tasking to say the least. Gust in excess of 40mph battered the competitors, resulting in a number of capsizes and forcing some retirements. However the weather didn't deter many of the contenders, with 9 boats lining up for the final race of the day.
Val Millward, from Rutland Sailing Club, sailing a Challenger dominated the day, winning all 3 races. However Hollowell's duo Alistair and Bernadette McMillan, sailing their Lark performed admirably to finish second overall. Cameron Tweedle from Oxford Sailing Club, sailing a Laser, took third place and was also the highest ranking Junior sailor on the day.
Speaking after the event Duty Officer, Russell Brayshaw commented "I'm very pleased how well the event ran today." "There were some tough conditions for sailors out there and everyone who took part deserves praise."