Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Winsford Flash Sailing Club

On Tuesday, the 30th of September, Winsford Flash Sailing Club hosted the final round of the Border Counties Series - Round 8.

Pete Coop had already secured the overall series, but the rest of the podium places could be won by any of three boats - so a lot to play for, including establishing the top double handed boat.

Downwind during the Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Lewis Bowden

We were met with sunshine and a light South Westerly breeze.

Race Officer Jon Close decided we were good to go, with the promise of a slight increase in the wind strength throughout the day. This proved to be good judgement, and all 3 races were completed.

Race 1

Pete Coop (Streaker) rounded the windward mark in the lead and was closely followed by the 2 Supernovas of Phil Watson and Eric Haselden. Ted Garner (Solo) was also in the mix just to the rear of this group. After several place changes Pete emerged on the final lap to cross the line in first place.

As ever with the Borders due to its handicap / average lap format, the slower boats can always be a threat, and it was with the 2 Comets of Pete Chambers and Bill Webber who finished 2nd and 3rd behind Pete, with Ted coming 4th.

On the run during the Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Lewis Bowden

Race 2

Paul Newman (Streaker) managed to ace the first beat closely followed by Pete, Eric, and Ted. On the final lap Pete managed to overtake Paul to cross the line in first place. Paul 2nd, Eric 3rd and Ted again with a 4th.

3rd Overall Pete Chambers during the Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Lewis Bowden

Race 3

With 2 first places, Pete had secured the regatta win, so the focus was on as to who could fill out the podium for not only the Winsford regatta but also the overall podium for the 2025 series? Paul along with Ian Clarke (Supernova) rounded the windward mark together and were not to be caught.

Paul was first, with the Comet of Bill Webber 2nd and Pete Chambers Comet taking 3rd.

2nd Overall Paul Newman during the Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Lewis Bowden

Podium and Category Winners:

1st Pete Coop (Winsford) Streaker
2nd Paul Newman (Shotwick) Streaker
3rd Pete Chambers (Winsford) Comet
1st Double hander Simon and Julie Dolman (Shotwick) Miracle
1st Junior Nayth Twiggs (Budworth) Topper

Overall Results:

What did this mean for the Overall scores of the whole 2025 series after eight events?

1st - Pete Coop-Winsford - Streaker was crowned 2025 Champion 2nd - Paul Newman-Shotwick - Streaker 3rd - Ted Garner-Budworth - Solo 1st Double - Handed Simon and Julie Dolman - Miracle 1st Junior - Nayth Twiggs - Topper

1st Overall Pete Coop during the Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Lewis Bowden

Big thanks to Jon Close and the whole rescue team for making this a great finish to the series.

The Borders has been a huge sailing success with over 90 boats entering the eight events, which equates to over 100 sailors (with double handed).

There were seven different dinghies in the top ten which tells us that any boat has the potential to do well in the Borders and also validates that the PY numbers are fair.

We have had regattas with over 30+ boats and over 200 entries and an average turnout of 25 per regatta.

We congratulate Dave Thomas and Dave Turtle for their vision and effort (back in 2000), in creating and making the Borders into a highly successful and well supported series.

So why not come and join our friendly Tuesday club it’s better than being in work! If you want any information about the series then see our website, bordercountiesmidweeksailing.wordpress.com