Notts County First of Year Race 2025 in aid of Bowel Cancer UK

The Notts County Sailing Club First of the Year race is always well attended, but the dire weather forecasts (yellow warnings of wind and rain the previous day) understandably put many off travelling, there were 26 entries, and visitors from many local clubs.

The winds gusted at 25 mph with an average of 11mph, generally westerly, though there were some wind swings, and even the rain held off during the racing. There was some close racing and a few spills, and although it was a little cool all enjoyed the conditions. Race Officer John Sears set a double beat and reaches and runs to provide a very even handicap course for all types of dinghy, as can be seen from the results.

Enjoying the wind at the Notts County SC First of Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

There are several trophies, the Goeff Parker memorial trophy for fast dinghies, the Phil Davis Cup for slower boats, along with a Windsurf and Junior trophy. The day is a charity event with all entry fees/donations going to the Commodore's chosen charity, the entrants and spectators donated a generous £288 to Bowel Cancer UK.

Nigel Potter & Gerry Hannabuss third in the Notts County SC First of Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

The first race got off to clean starts in both fleets both Kevin Hope led Sam Coxon on the water at the first mark, and Kevin extended his lead, however on handicap was third. Meanwhile Graig Williamson in the slow fleet led both races on the water, and on handicap. The second race saw Kevin lead by a good margin to win overall, with Craig forth on handicap in the second race. This meant the fast fleet and over all winner was Kevin Hope and Andy Stewart from Notts County in a Fireball, beating Craig Williamson from Staunton Harold in an RS Aero by a mere half a point.

Kevin Hope & Andy Stewart win the Notts County SC First of Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

Further down the fleet saw a mixture of boats from a variety of local clubs. In third was Nigel Potter (Notts County) and Gerry Hannabuss in a. Scorpion, then Sam Cox in a Phantom from Chase, with Joe Scurrah from Notts County in an Aero next, followed by Jeremy Arnold and john Allen from Notts County in a Flying 15. Only 7.5 points separating the top 7. The first Junior was James Burton from Notts County, in a brilliant 8th place his winter training is obviously paying off.

Prizewinners at the Notts County SC First of Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

The Windsurfers saw Gerry Ball from Notts County retain the First of the Year trophy, Ian Pilkington was second.

Gerry Ball winning the windsurfers races at Notts County SC First of Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

Thanks to all the race crew, safety crew and scorers who make the event possible.

More photos at www.ncsc.org.uk/first-of-year-2025

Overall Results: