Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Nantwich & Border Counties Sailing Club

The Border Counties Tuesday club first event of 2026 was held on Tuesday 14 April at Nantwich & Border Counties Sailing Club. The forecast of 15mph wind predominantly from the south and a low chance of rain was what was thankfully delivered, and that helped to encourage any undecided sailors to make the trip.

23 boats and 28 sailors made up of 19 visitors and 9 home sailors including Supernovas, Streakers, Solos, one Comet, Laser/radial, two GPs, two Miracles and a RS200 arrived keen and ready to challenge themselves against the conditions and competition.

Let's get rigging during the Border Counties Series at Nantwich - photo © Brian Herring

After boats were rigged a briefing was held on the grass in front of the clubhouse by OOD Oliver Dumbleton to ensure the competitors knew the buoy positions, to avoid the bandstand(How many clubs have a sunken bandstand under their lake), and what the course was - that included two long beats and fast reaches back downwind. The boats launched and headed to the far side of the lake where the start line was set just to windward of a leeward mark and used as a gate with each boat timed through at the start of each lap.

A busy day for the rescue team during the Border Counties Series at Nantwich - photo © Brian Herring

Everyone got away first time in conditions that were challenging with mistakes punished with a number of boats experiencing capsizes keeping the safety team on their toes. At the finish, the Streaker of Pete Coop took the gun 20 seconds ahead of the close finishing Solos of Darren Nield and Paul Scott, but would miss out on the win when times were adjusted.

Border Counties Series at Nantwich - photo © Brian Herring

On the water there was less than six minutes separating most of the fleet after nearly an hour of racing, demonstrating the competitive and close racing. A notable finisher was Bill Webber in his Comet, almost five minutes behind the leader on the water but fourth after time correction, having worked hard, kept out of trouble and sailing the course really well.

After lunch the boats returned to the water to resume battle with a reduced fleet of 18 boats due to the conditions and some gear failures. The course was unchanged and the sailors keen to get started with a couple of boats being very close to being over the line, but not quite or was it perfect timing. One of the beneficiaries of the decision was Paul Newman in his Streaker, who converted his fast start into a good lead by mark one and never looked back taking the gun on the water and race win after times were corrected.

Border Counties Series at Nantwich - photo © Brian Herring

Following a fifth place in the first race Paul N was assured of a good overall position and had put himself in contention for the overall win with Darren and Paul S in their Solos. An excellent result was achieved by junior sailor Thomas Walker in his ILCA 6 (Laser Radial), finishing in fourth place. Thomas has only been racing for one full season, so this result is reward for his commitment, perseverance and willingness to learn and improve.

After a short break race three got under way, again cleanly, though the conditions meant some competitors decided to sit it out and watch from the jetty so there was more space on the line. This time Pete Coop made sure getting the finish gun was converted into the corrected time win by building a 75 second lead over Darren's second place Solo at the end, though things might have been different if Paul S hadn't taken an unfortunate swim whilst chasing Pete with a lap or so to go.

Border Counties Series at Nantwich - photo © Brian Herring

Another what-could-have-been was Ted Garner sailing another Solo, finishing 15 seconds behind Darren and securing third place but in races one and two Ted suffered technical issues with his kicker and had to retire from both leaving him in a mid-fleet overall position.

The overall results from a very enjoyable days sailing were:

1. Darren Nield, Solo, Elton 3pts
2. Pete Coop, Streaker, Nantwich 4pts
3. Paul Scott, Solo, Nantwich 5.5pts
4. Paul Newman, Streaker, Shotwick 6pts
5. Thomas Walker, ILCA 6, Nantwich 10.5pts - first junior
6. Simon and Julie Dolman, Miracle, Shotwick 12pts - first double-handed

Let's get rigging during the Border Counties Series at Nantwich - photo © Brian Herring

After prize-giving thanks were given to all of the team at Nantwich for looking after us all on and off the water THANK YOU as without all of you none of could enjoy the days sailing.

Next event is at Shotwick on Tuesday May 19th full details of the series are on our website, 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 please visit bordercountiesmidweeksailing.wordpress.com

Overall Results: