Hansa UK Traveller Trophy Series event at Carsington Sailing Club

Hansa UK Traveller Trophy Series event at Carsington © David Thomas

17th June saw the Hansa TT roadshow came to Carsington Water in Derbyshire. The day dawned a little overcast and moist with a moderate wind at about 13knots. A fairly gentle day's racing in prospect as opposed to some of the fights for survival in some of the earlier Hansa TT events!

With competitors from all over the country, Scotland and the republic of Ireland we had 27 boats competing in the four classes - Liberties [5], Hansa 303 singles [8], Hansa 303 doubles [12] and Hansa 2.3 [2].

Just to be different Rory McKinna competed against the Liberties in a Hansa 303 (and managed to beat them all).

Mary Duffy, who is a well known figure on the Hansa scene and sails with her feet, was there from the Republic of Ireland. Among the host crews were Terry and Simon, Terry is a stroke survivor and hemiplegic, Simon is totally blind and the simple fact that between them they muster three working arms, three working legs and two working eyes proved to be an irresistible hook for the local BBC. Consequently, we had both TV and radio coverage after the event.

Many of the other remarkable characters within the Hansa circuit were also there and altogether we had over a dozen people who needed hoisting in and out of the boats.

The briefing was clear and went well and the conveyor belt of boats was launched, rigged and then embarked. A 3-2-1 starting sequence was used and all classes got away in all races without the need for any recalls.

The first race was hard fought only marred by one incident where one boats steering failed and unfortunately hit another boat costing them places. Still, if you think life is fair you have clearly not been paying attention!

To be fair all the races were hotly contested with the determination so characteristic of the Hansa sailing family. Our guests the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Liz Fothergill and one of her deputies Peter Ellse were both blown away by the bustle, determination and camaraderie of the day. It also seemed that both radio and TV were not left unmoved and they gave the event very positive publicity.

As the results were announced it became clear that the determined charge by Whitefriars Sailability to replace Frensham at the top of the Hansa pile is continuing with undiminished vigour.

Hansa UK Traveller Trophy Series event at Carsington - photo © David Thomas

The prizes presented by the host club were fused glass boat pennants based on the Sailability logo, handcrafted by volunteers. Apart from the race prizes there was a special Carsington endeavour award, won by Hazel Ede, a lady well past retirement who only learned to sail last year, has only sailed single handed six times and entered her first Hansa TT event.

After the awards was, of course cake - it is a wonder any of us fit into our boats!

Huge thanks go to the club, the team of volunteers and the Race team led by Keith and Liz Appleby who all pulled together to make a great event, the organisation was seamless and we cannot wait to repeat it all next time!

Full results from the Hansa UK TT Series so far at events.hansaclass.org.uk/pages/pg145RaceResults.aspx

2.3 Singles Results:

Hansa 303 Singles Results:

Hansa 303 Doubles Results:

Liberty Results:

Hansa UK Traveller Trophy Series event at Carsington - photo © David Thomas