Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash Sailing Club

Seventeen boats arrived bright and early Tuesday morning at Winsford Flash for the final meeting of the inaugural Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series.

The mirror-like conditions were a little worrying but assurances from the locals that the wind would soon materialise kept everyone happy. Although, the high spirits were probably more to do with the tea, coffee and yummy chocolate brownies which set a great atmosphere for the day among competitors and spectators alike.

The fleet comprised six visitors and eleven home boats sailing ten different classes ranging from an Albacore to Comets. At the briefing competitors were advised that all starts would be subject to the "U" Flag Rule meaning that anyone over the start-line in the last minute before the start would be disqualified. Perhaps there was a sense of heightened competition for the last event of the series!?

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash - photo © Brian Herring

The race officer, Jon Close, wisely decided on a short postponement and, sure enough, the north-westerly breeze soon appeared providing a long beat down the entire length of the lake.

The first race was away to a clean start and the theme was soon set for the day with the Supernova of Pete Coop and the Solo of Phil Snewin soon pulling clear of the pack. However, there was no time for anyone to relax with large wind shifts and changes of pressure creating many opportunities (and challenges) throughout the fleet. The finishing positions, adjusted for handicaps, were Phil (Solo), Pete (Supernova) and Dave (Streaker).

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash - photo © Brian Herring

After a short break for lunch (and more chocolate brownies) we were back on the water for two back-to-back races. The boats were more closely bunched for race two with the wind fluctuating in both strength and direction causing some interesting downwind legs and crowded leeward marks. There were battles throughout the fleet but unfortunately Paul and Sandy in the Albacore were deemed OCS. However, the first three boats were the same with Phil claiming another first, Dave second and Pete third. Duncan (Lightning) had his best finish staying with the leaders for most of the race but narrowly beaten into fourth place by Jeremy in the other Lightning at the finish.

The third and final race was soon under way with once again many changes of fortune. Steve Bellamy (Comet) was quick to play the wind shifts on the first beat and was one of the first boats to round the windward mark. Phil continued his winning ways doing just enough for a hat-trick of firsts. The ever-consistent Pete was second followed this time by fellow Supernova sailor Eric Hasleden.

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash - photo © Brian Herring

So, overall, a convincing win for Phil (Chester) followed by Pete (Winsford) and Dave (Shotwick). First double-handed boat was Paul Lennie and Sandy in an Albacore from Winsford Flash.

A great day on the water was rounded off by prize-giving in the clubhouse and talk of another Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series next year. Many thanks to all those at Winsford who put so much effort into making the day such a success.

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