Craftinsure Supernova Northern Traveller Series event at Girton Sailing Club

Craftinsure Supernova Traveller Series event at Girton © Terry Mason

Girton Sailing Club welcomed 20 Supernovas for their Craftinsure open meeting on 19 July. The weather was as near to perfect as it could get with wall to wall sunshine, temperatures in the mid 20s and a steady blowing 8-10 knots in the north allowing the race team led by Sam Mason to set a beat the full length of the lake and a secondary beat later in the lap making for a demanding and tactical course. Thinking person's sailing.

Race 1 saw 1302 Matt Thursford (Chelmarsh) lead at the first windward mark from 1344 Alex Reeve (Burghfield) and 1287 Will Crocker (North Lincs). These 3 pulled away from the rest of the fleet who were engaged in their own battle throughout the fleet. The secondary beat proved very shifty and tactical and Crocker passed Reeve for second place which he held to the finish while Thursford held on for the win despite pressure from behind.

After Lunch race 2 got away cleanly on the same course with all the usual suspects to the fore at the first windward mark this time being joined by 1256 - a borrowed boat sailed by local hero Alan Bishop. Alex Reeve had gear failure and dropped out of contention; his place in the top 3 being taken by 1137 Jon Ward (Avon). Again the secondary beat proved to be a game changer with Crocker taking the lead which he narrowly held to the end of the race to take the win from Thursford and Ward.

Race 3 and all to play for with Thursford and Crocker tied with each holding 1 and 2, and with 3rd place overall by no means settled. The fleet got away cleanly at first asking and Thursford made no mistakes and nailed the shifts on the first beat to lead comfortably at the first mark. Crocker was not prepared to take this lightly and sailed superbly to reduce the deficit but never quite achieved enough for the lead. Ward and Bishop disputed 3rd and 4th all the way round resulting in a very close finish.

All in all an excellent day and the standard of sailing and sportsmanship were a credit to the Supernova fleet

Results:

1st Matt Thursford, Chelmarsh Sailing Club
2nd Will Crocker, North Lincs Sailing Club
3rd Jon Ward, Avon Sailing Club

1st Lady: Serena Stewardson, Emberton Park Sailing Club

Matt Thursfield wins the Craftinsure Supernova Traveller Series event at Girton - photo © Terry Mason