Ok so the forecast wasn't very good and you preferred to stay at home and keep warm. But those that turned up braved the elements in shifty conditions and blew away all cobwebs!
The changeable winds lead to very close racing for the first lap of a windward leeward course. But Steve Hunt and Ruth Critchley then broke away in their RS400 and went on to win the first race.
Martin and Rachel Crouch are still new to the RS400s - a screaming reach, a lull and another gust lead to their demise. To top it all Rachel fell out on the way back to shore and they threw in another capsize for good luck (although Herb Telford may have distracted them at the time) but seemed to keep laughing about it all the way.
Strong winds eased throughout Sunday racing. Martin Crouch continued to dominate the first beats which again lead to some close racing. However, Steve Hunt pulled back through to win both races.
Prizelist: 1st Steve Hunt, 2nd Martin Crouch
One of the more unusual, but one of the best enjoyed, events of the northern sailing calendar is the annual Flying Fifteen team racing weekend generously sponsored by Harper and Hebson of Carlisle.
Teams of three boats combine all their scores in four races to find the winning team so allowing for a bit of tactics as well as serious sailing in this fun event.
A fleet of boats from around the country enjoyed some excellent courses set by Andy Smith and Herb Telford and, together with mainly warm southerly winds varying from a force 1 to a stiff force 5, gave every dog the chance to have its day.
Mastering all of these conditions, Neil Platt (Liverpool) forsook his GP 14 and very creditably won three of the four races sailing a new boat with a scratch crew, Bass S.C. member Andrew Nuttall {Whitehaven), who hadn’t sailed competitively for a few years whilst away at university.
Race two was won by Tyneside’s John Hardisty, chased by Cockermouth’s Neil Currie who has just returned to sailing after a year’s lay-off with back problems. Neil was sailing Paul Wright's boat with Paul. Just how versatile the Flying fifteen is, was demonstrated with a wide range of helms and crews. It was great to see the wily old pensioner from Loch Earn, Ian Cameron, still up there with the top boats after a long beat up Bass in a force 5 making it look all so easy. At the other end of the age spectrum young Elizabeth Donkin, who has barely reached her teens, crewed for Graham Donkin in her second open meting. Well done Elizabeth!
Socially the event was also a big hit with a meal in the clubhouse on Saturday evening. Free lunches and teas were also provided on Sunday – thanks to Linda Beattie and her band of helpers.
So, if you sail a Flying Fifteen, make a note in your diary for next year. Get yourself to Bassenthwaite where there is free camping, caravanning and lots of socials to have an excellent weekend in the Lake District at this annual event with a great prize list on offer.
NB The wind change in the first race was NOT the reason why Neil Currie finished with only one boat behind him in the first race - he just sailed ****!
R1 |
R2 |
R3` |
R4 |
Pts |
Overall |
||
| Someone has to sail with the old get |
3702 T Crumpton 3636 J Hardisty (The Old Get) 3950 D Douglas |
3 5 9 |
7 1 6 |
4 2 10 |
4 3 8 |
62 | 1 |
| The Good The Bad & The Unlucky |
3641 A Dunning 3268 W Carruthers 3673 S Beattie |
2 17 7 |
4 10 5 |
3 6 5 |
2 7 5 |
73 |
2 |
The Fat Boys |
3704 N Platt 3593 I Preston 3640 N Currie |
1 14 18 |
3 15 2 |
1 7 9 |
1 15 6 |
92 | 3 |
The Cronies |
3451 I Cameron 3606 I Laidlaw 3666 J Gerrard |
12 4 15 |
16 9 12 |
15 17 8 |
16 11 9 |
144 | 4 |
The Discard |
3332 W Somerville 3473 M Moore 3560 I Campbell 3385 M Middleton |
8 11 13 19 |
8 14 17 18 |
12 13 11 16 |
14 12 13 17 |
162 | 5 |
Wot No Tent |
3303 G Donkin 3232 S Robinson 3705 K Vials |
16 6 10 |
19 11 13 |
19 18 14 |
19 10 19 |
174 | 6 |
For the last championship series of the season, the flying fifteen and laser fleet champions had already been decided, but the following places up were for grabs
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th in
the Flying 15s
2nd and 3rd in the Lasers
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th in the GP14s
The unsettled forecast proved correct and Saturday produced some steady southerly winds, dampened by a few showers. However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the fleets. The adrenalin was also high due to some crews who had not realised that the start time was earlier then usual.
In the flying fifteen fleet, Scott Beattie (Beverly) had already won the championship, so let his crew, John Somerville (Carlisle) take the helm. William Curruthers (Carlisle) was second in the championship and could only be beaten if Mike and Christina Moore (Preston) took five first places this weekend. Unfortunately, Mike and Christina were among the latecomers and never caught the rest of the fleet in the first race. John had an excellent start and was almost first round the windward mark. However, John’s wife Wendy, sailing with Elaine Fairlamb (Deanscales) was also battling for first place at the mark. John decided he wanted his tea and Wendy led the race. Wanting to prove how good a helm he is, John never gave up and pulled back the place to win the race. In the second race, Mike and Christina led from the start, but again John pulled through to win.
In the GP14 fleet, Dave and Lynne Lawson (Kendal) needed two first places to take the title. They have been sailing superbly since the middle of the season when they joined the fleet. Mike Fairlamb (Deanscales) and Mike Cowan (Maryport) had led the championship almost from the start of the season needed one more first place to win the championship. Further down the field, only two points separated Julian and Jane Cruickshank (Bolton), Ginge and Jose Hodgkins (Brigham) and Hugh Godfrey with Rhonwen Bryce (Whitehaven). This is the closest end to the GP14 championship for a few years. In almost predictable form, Dave and Lynne led from the start in both races to take the places they needed to win the championship. Lynne has done exceptionally well considering this is her first season in a boat. Mike and Mike took a second and third place, alternating with Julian and Jane. In the strong winds, Richard and Philip Hodgkins did very well to finish the first race without capsizing and finish with a very respectable championship position.
The gales forecast on Sunday did not materialise and the officer of the day, Hugh Godfrey, did very well to avoid most of the showers during the races. The first race saw John and Scott win the fifteen series. Behind them, William sailing with Rhonwen had been in second place, but the last leg proved their downfall when several places changed and Ian Campbell (Papcastle) with Tony Fisher (Carlisle) were second over the line. John also won the fourth race, but in the final race, Ian led from the start to avoid John getting a clean sweep.
In the GP14 fleet, Dave and Lynne again proved that they are worthy champioins, although they were pursued closely for most of the last race. Mike and Mike, Julian and Jane, Tim Knowles with Philip Hodgkins (both Brigham) and Ginge and Jose were all battling closely for the other places. There was considerable tactical play with everyone trying to steal everyone else’s wind. Mike and Mike took the three second places. The last two races, although not significant for the series and club championship, did decide the handicap championship. Julian and Jane, and Ginge and Jose had identical points for the fifteen races to count. Each took a first place on handicap, so discards were taken into account and Ginge and Jose were winners.
Light winds on Saturday lead to the postponement of a race and meant an early start on Sunday for three closely fought races held in a good breeze which helped blow away cobwebs after the effects of the night before!
PN Boat Helm FleetClub 1 2 3 4 Pts
1 13671 N THOMPSON G CHASE 1 4 7 1 6
2 13686 C JEFFS G TRIMPLEY 4 1 2 3 6
3 13676 J JONES G SSSC 5 2 1 4 7
4 12876 I PLATT G BOLTON 3 5 3 2 8
5 13681 M SENIOR G BOLTON 26 3 8 5 16
6 13609 N EAVES G BARTLEY 10 7 15 7 24
7 13176 D LAWSON G BASS 2 11 12 13 25
8 13218 M BRENNAN G HLSC 7 9 20 11 27
9 12655 S GRAHAM G BURWAIN 6 19 18 8 32
10 13650 A ROSE S RWYC 14 6 13 15 33
11 13482 J TELFORD G BASS RTD 21 4 14 39
12 13687 J SINCLAIR G WEST LANCS 16 14 28 9 39
13 13680 N BROOK G HOLLINGWORTH 19 13 9 26 41
14 13225 J DIXON S WEST KIRBY 13 10 19 18 41
15 13463 A GILKINSON G CASTLE SEMPLE 11 22 11 24 44
16 13678 B KENYON G BUDWORTH 21 25 5 22 48
17 13484 T TAYLOR G SOUTH STAFFS 29 15 24 10 49
18 13371 J RILEY S BASS 17 18 14 29 49
19 13374 P GARDNER G COMBS 18 DSQ 6 27 51
20 13406 G DEIGHAN G BOLTON 20 DSQ 25 6 51
21 13693 P OWEN S SOUTH STAFFS 8 23 34 21 52
22 8162 C AUBREY G BOLTON 27 17 17 19 53
23 13254 A GREENHALGH S BASS 12 16 27 28 55
24 13561 C KNOTT S HOLLINGWORTH 31 28 16 12 56
25 13327 M FAIRLAMB S BASS 24 12 33 20 56
26 13603 A DAVEY S BURWAIN 15 26 32 16 57
27 13515 T HARPER G WEST LANCS 34 27 10 25 62
28 13164 L OWEN S WINSFORD FLASH 36 24 23 17 64
29 13215 G KNOX S HOLLINGWORTH 25 34 21 23 69
30 13683 D MIDDLETON B BLACKPOOL & FL 38 20 22 31 73
31 13444 J SHARMAN S BURWAIN 22 29 29 30 80
32 13322 S TAYLOR S RWYC 9 38 39 40 86
33 13630 B MOSEDALE B WEST KIRBY 30 30 30 32 90
34 13115 J WADDINGTON B BOLTON 32 35 31 33 96
35 13453 P DUTTON B WEST KIRBY 42 31 35 36 102
36 13701 N HARRISON B HORBURY 28 42 42 35 105
37 13113 J CRUICKSHAN B BASS 33 40 37 38 108
38 6425 R MARSDEN B B&FYC 46 DSQ 26 37 109
39 13633 N PLATT G BOLTON / WEST DSQ 8 DNS DNS 110
40 12682 E SMITH B BASS 41 33 36 43 110
41 13142 A HODGKINS B BASS 37 39 40 34 110
42 13338 A MONK B GLOSSOP 48 32 38 42 112
43 13340 M MITCHELL B WINSFORD FLASH 39 37 43 39 115
44 13075 R DIN B HOLLINGWORTH 35 41 41 41 117
45 13467 T KNOWLES S BASS 23 DNS DNS DNS 125
46 11772 D HOOK B WEST LANCS 40 36 DNS DNS 127
47 13013 N LEWIS B BASS 47 43 45 44 132
48 12220 R BALDWIN B WINSFORD FLASH 43 44 47 45 132
49 6642 J SHARP B BASS 44 45 46 47 135
50 10822 R COY B BASS 45 DNS 44 46 135
Points for RTD = 51 49 48 48
Points for DSQ = 51 49 48 48
Points for DNS = 51
3 races to count
At last weekend's Annandale open meeting, which included the GP14 Scottish Area Championship, it was a case of Bass came, Bass sailed and Bass conquered!
This year's GP14 Scottish Area champions are Bass members David and Lynne Lawson, with John Telford and Andy Smith coming second. All in all a very close event that Mike Fairlamb and and Mike Cowan also had a chance of second place if only they had been behind the line at the start of the last race!
In the laser fleet Mark Somerville took pole position with Matthew Fairlamb 2nd and Ian Macpherson 3rd.
Congratulations and well done everyone.
Concerns over fuel supplies reduced the numbers of entrants from 29 to 11 for the final open meeting of the Tinker Travellers circuit.
Light winds freshened over the weekend to a force 4 by Sunday afternoon. But spirits did not seem to be dampened by Sunday's passing showers.
Standing in on behalf of the Commodore, Herb Telford (Official starter for the weekend) aided by Carol Thomas presented the weekends prizes. Final results
1st - David Warren
2nd - Stuart Warden
3rd - Bill James
After some close racing, the wine challenge was won by David and Lynne Lawson from Mike Fairlamb and Mike Cowan.
Yes, although Autumn arrived on Friday, those sailors not venturing to various open meetings enjoyed clear blue skies and warm, strong winds.
In the Flying 15s, William Carruthers and Alan Smith took the lead in the first race and held off Ian Campbell and Tony Fisher, even on numerous magnificent reaches and spinnaker legs. In the second race Ian lead from the start but on the second beat William's boom outhaul broke and made various precarious attempts to effect a tempoary repair. In so doing Ian broke away and Paul Burnell, with Margaret Trotter, got through to second place. However, Willam managed to get back into second place but was unable to break Ian's commanding lead.
Ginge and Jose Hodgkins seemed to wear out their opposition! - In the 1st race Wendy Lewis retired, while in the 2nd race John Sharp took a cautious route, but stayed upright and finished 2nd.
These races brought another long series to a close. Overall results;
FF MORGAN TROPHY
PN Boat Helm 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pts
1 3268 W CARRUTHERS DNS DNS 1 1 1 2 3
2 3560 I CAMPBELL DNS DNS DNS DNS 2 1 9
3 3503 D LANCASTER DNS DNS 2 2 DNS DNS 10
4 3273 P BURNELL DNS DNS DNS DNS 3 3 12
5 3473 M MOORE DNS DNS DNS DNS DNS OD 15
Points for RTD = 0 0 3 3 4 4
Points for DSQ = 0 0 3 3 4 4
Points for DNS = 6
3 races to count
GP SPRING CUP
PN Boat Helm 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pts
1 13176 D LAWSON 1 1 1 1 DNS DNS 4
2 13142 A HODGKINS 4 3 5 5 1 1 9
3 13013 N LEWIS 6 4 6 6 DNS DNS 22
4 6642 J SHARP 9 5 DNS DNS DNS 2 34
5 13482 J TELFORD DNS DNS 2 2 DNS DNS 40
6 12329 H GODFREY 3 2 DNS DNS DNS DNS 41
7 69916 P SMITH DNS DNS 4 3 DNS DNS 43
7 13327 MiFAIRLAMB DNS DNS 3 4 DNS DNS 43
9 13371 J RILEY 2 RTD DNS DNS DNS DNS 48
10 3473 M MOORE 5 7 DNS DNS DNS DNS 48
11 988683 J ROBERTS 8 6 DNS DNS DNS DNS 50
12 13118 M TROTTER 7 8 DNS DNS DNS DNS 51
13 113013 W LEWIS DNS DNS DNS DNS RTD DNS 57
13 13467 T KNOWLES DNS OD DNS DNS DNS DNS 57
15 13161 TBA DNS DNS DNS 7 DNS DNS 61
15 9876 R HODGKINS DNS DNS 7 DNS DNS DNS 61
17 11679 R HODGKINS DNS DNS DNS 8 DNS DNS 62
Points for RTD = 10 10 8 9 3 3
Points for DSQ = 10 10 8 9 3 3
Points for DNS = 18
4 races to count
Although no-one seems to know the real reason behind the name for this series (suggestions to the mailbox please) it has proved to be an important turning point for the various club championships.
FLYING FIFTEEN AT CUP
PN Boat Helm 1 2 3 4 5 Pts
1 3673 S BEATTIE 1 1 1 1 1 3
2 3560 I CAMPBELL 3 2 2 5 4 7
3 3268 W CARRUTHERS DNS DNS 3 2 2 7
4 3332 W SOMERVILLE 2 4 4 6 5 10
5 3473 M MOORE 4 3 5 4 3 10
6 3293 I PRESTON DNS DNS DNS 3 6 18
7 231 M PARRY OD DNS DNS DNS DNS 21
8 2504 K THOMAS DNS DNS DNS 7 7 23
Points for RTD = 5 5 6 8 8
Points for DSQ = 5 5 6 8 8
Points for DNS = 9
3 races to count
The 5 firsts achieved by Scott Beattie and John Somerville were sufficient to secure the Flying 15 Club Championship with nine races to go!
GP AT CUP
PN Boat Helm 1 2 3 4 5 Pts
1 13176 D LAWSON 1 1 1 1 1 3
2 13327 MiFAIRLAMB 3 2 3 5 2 7
3 13113 J CRUICKSHAN 6 5 2 4 3 9
4 13254 A GREENHALGH 4 3 5 2 DNS 9
5 13467 T KNOWLES DNS DNS RTD 3 4 16
6 6642 J SHARP 9 7 6 8 5 18
7 13482 J TELFORD 2 4 DNS DNS DNS 24
8 13142 A HODGKINS 8 RTD DNS 6 DNS 24
9 12682 E SMITH 7 6 DNS DNS DNS 31
10 12329 H GODFREY 5 RTD DNS DNS DNS 33
11 13201 R COY DNS DNS DNS 9 6 33
12 169106 A SMITH DNS DNS 4 DNS DNS 40
13 143093 P LAWSON DNS DNS DNS DNS 7 43
14 13259 W ROBERTS DNS DNS DNS 7 DNS 43
14 13118 M TROTTER DNS DNS 7 DNS DNS 43
16 212324 S SPENCE DNS 8 DNS DNS DNS 44
17 11679 R HODGKINS RTD DNS DNS DNS DNS 47
Points for RTD = 11 10 9 10 8
Points for DSQ = 11 10 9 10 8
Points for DNS = 18
3 races to count
Consistent sailing by David and Lynne Lawson took them to first position in the GP14 Club Championship. As Mike Fairlamb and Mike Cowan are only a point behind, the remaining races will be closely fought (if David Lawson lets anyone get near him!)
The Ross Wear Helmsman Trophy was the target for the GP fleet. A series of four races with no discard, starts being staggered according to personal handicap.
Richard Hodgkins crewed by Mike Cowan, upset his parents on Saturday by beating them! He obviously remained a threat as his handicap was such that he had to pursue his parents around the course on Sunday morning. Failing winds was not Ginge and Jose's excuse as Richard caught them up and made them do a 720 for not giving sufficient water at a mark! No chips for Rich (as Herb put it).
The staggered start times, as usual, caused a certain element of debate as to the level of equity of the system. Three main competitors (John Sharp, Ginge and Richard Hodgkins) had equal chance of taking the Trophy. The winds eased and changed direction just after the start and made a mockery of the staggered starts, however, the changeable winds resulted in numerous position changes throughout the race.
Another win by Eric and Alan Smith did not affect the overall results as they had only sailed two races. A second place taken by Ginge and Jose was sufficient to secure their first Trophy in their short sailing career but, of course, this meant that they had taken the glory from youngest son Richard. They realise they won't be able to keep that state of affairs up for long. John Sharp finished third and took third overall.
The flying fifteens only sailed two races, but the changing of places in the last race kept blood pressures running high. In the end, Steve Hannah and Dave Lancaster won the series with two firsts; Bill Wheeler and Pete Nuttall were second.
The Bank Holiday weekend was described by one member as fantastic, with lots of competition. Weatherwise, the weekend started misty and breezy on the Saturday, when there were two closely competed races with bottles of wine for prizes - The Wine Challenge - with resultts being adjusted according to personal handicap. The winners were David and Lyn Lawson (Kendal), followed by Tim Knowles and Philip Hodgkins (Brigham), Wyn and Sally Roberts (Clapham) and Ginge and Jose Hodgkins (also Brigham) who won their very first prize! (Jose said she'd save the bottle, but there was no mention of what she intended to do with its contents!!)
On Saturday a barbeque and social evening was held, enjoyed by all. Sunday saw a very light wind, a shower or two, and the first three races in a five-race series for each class of boat, the series being one of fifteen counting towards the Club Championship.
On Bank Holiday Monday the last two of the
five-race series were held, with nearly twenty boats on the water
enjoying the sunshine and light winds. The final placings and
winners were:
The Flying Free trophy for Flying Fifteens - William Carruthers (Carlisle)
and Alan Smith (Harrington).
The August trophy for Lasers - Andrew Smith (Harrington).
The Aitken Cup for GP 14s - David and Lyn Lawson (Kendal).
The Mirror Mug for Mirrors - Tim Smith (Harrington) and Jack
Denwood (Carlisle).
For practice, three Toppers took part in the morning race - they enjoyed it, although Jack Denwood managed to capsize as he passed the finishing line.
All in all a very enjoyable weekend, and the weather was kind, in the daylight hours anyway!
The weather was absolutely glorious throughout the weekend. There was some wind for the sailors and lots of sun for the shore crews to enjoy. Saturday racing saw the climax to a long series of races. The flying Fifteens were out in force with seven boats competiting for the Dawson Trophy. The first race saw some excitement on the start line. Mike Moore pushed Ian Campbell over the start line and also went over himself, which then meant they both had to come back over the start line as everyone else sailed ahead to the first mark. The race was eventually won by David Lancaster (Cockermouth) and Steve Hannah (Great Boughton), with W. Carruthers (Carlisle) and Ian Smith (Harrington) second. Despite the start Ian Campbell (Cockermouth) and Tony Fisher (Carlisle) came in third. The second race saw a change in fortunes with Mike Moore and Jennifer Moore (Wesham) coming first, D Lancaster and Steve Hannah second and William Carruthers and Ian Smith third. This meant the overall results for the series were first Mike Moore, second Ian Campbell and a close third for David Lancaster. The GP14 fleet had six boats competing in the final leg of the Autumn Cup. Both races were eventually dominated by David and Lyn Lawson (Kendal), but Mike Fairlamb (Deanscales) and Mike Cowan (Maryport) were fighting all the way and came second. The GP 14 field included two young sailors, Wendy Lewis (Braithwaite) sailing with her dad Nigel and Richard Hodgkins (Brigham) sailing with Rhowen Bryce (Whitehaven). Both had very good races and were very close on the finish line finishing within a few yards of each other, Wendy Lewis just managing to stay ahead of Richard Hodgkins. The final result for the Autumn Cup was Mike Fairlamb and Mike Cowan first, Ginge and Jose Hodgkins second and Tim Knowles and Philip Hodgkins (Brigham) third.
Sunday was a very warm day and it was appropriate that we should be competing for the Wine Challenge. The sun and wind ensured a great turnout with 21 boats racing for the wine. Wendy Somerville(Carlisle) and Elaine Fairlamb (Deanscales) were the worthy winners with David and Lyn Lawson (Kendal) second. William Carruthers (Carlisle) and Ian Smith (Harrington) were third.
On Thursday night the crews and ladies race was held. A strong fleet took to the water in calm conditions. This was the night the crews helmed and the helms crewed – leading to some fun on the water, ‘starboard’ was called many times as the ‘learner’ helms sailed a great course. The winner of the ladies race was Wendy Lewis (Braithwaite) and the crew’s race was won by Philip Hodgkins (Brigham). Well done to both of these 14 year olds.
After a wet morning's sailing, there was a hint of blue skies for the afternoon's round the lake pennat race in aid of the RNLI. However, with a westerly force 3 blowing there was every likelihood of some interesting wind shifts after passing through Scarness.
William Carruthers and Alan Smith in a Flying 15 were clear ahead at the first mark and used their own gust machine (or so the Sailing Secretary reckoned) to reach the bottom end of the lake in just 33 minutes, some 8 minutes ahead of the next boat. In their wake they left a mixed bag of fortunes; Miles Middleton in his Flying 15 held a good second position near St Bega's church to find himself chasing lasers and GP14s by the time he reached the 2nd mark. Similarly, John Sharp worked through to lead the rest of the GP14s for a while.
Having to sail to marks in the shade of the hills resulted in many suffering major unpredictable windshifts on their way back up the lake. William Carruthers after losing some of the advantage gained on the outward leg, managed to regain some ground to finish 9 minutes ahead of Andrew Smith in a laser after 1½ hours sailing.
Overall results were calculated on a personal
handicap basis
1st William Carruthers and Alan Smith (FF)
2nd Phil Smith (Laser)
3rd Andrew Smith (Laser)
The morning races concluded some long series.
The overall winners are listed below
F15 Blencathra Trophy - William Carruthers and Alan Smith
Laser Dodd Trophy - Andrew Smith
GP14 Mustard Pot - Mike Fairlamb and Mike Cowan
Another success for the laser fleet occurred when Mark Somerville won this year's Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy held at Ullswater. Robin Dawson and Ian McPherson, not far behind, finished 7th and 8th respectively. Well done!
Last weekend saw Lasers, Enterprises and Mirrors converging on the lake for some Open Meetings. In addition, the Enterprises were sailing for their North West Area Championship.
Desperately fluky winds on Saturday and most of Sunday taxed 'light air' skills to the limit, the wind only picking up for the last race. Leads changed frequently and there were some nailbiting contests.
Enterprise North West Area champions are Chris and Al Fry from Hallamshire with Nick Miller and Innes Wilkinson from Winsford Flash second. Third were Martin Honnor and Simon Haighton, Hallamshire. The home club took the first five places in the Laser Open with Pete Lawson the winner. Second was Andy Smith and third, Mark Somerville.
With the Mirrors it was the visitors who scored with Gareth Hughes and Neil Evans from Hollingworth coming home ahead of Robert Phillips and Thomas Partington from Hollingworth Lake SC. Third were Iwan and Nia Fletcher from Bass. In this class both Iwan and Nia together with Tim and Rob Smith (7th) were all competing in their first Open.
Photos from the open meeting.
At Coniston's laser open the three Bass entrants took pole positions out of a fleet of 14 boats.
Strong winds on Saturday eased, and were more variable, on Sunday. However Scumper mastered all the conditions and, having won the series with four firsts, played with the competition in the final race leaving Robin Dawson and Andy Smith to battle it out for second place.
Final positions 1st Mark Somerville, 2nd Robin Dawson, 3rd Andy Smith - Well done!
World class competition took over the lake for the weekend's racing. Flying 15 world champions Steve Goacher and Phil Evans made the most of some excellent courses in generally breezy conditions to show the rest of the fleet around the course in all four races. However, in race 3 Steve and Phil had to keep a keen eye on defending champions Andrew Dunning and David Lawson who came back within fighting distance for the second half of the race. Similarly, in race 4 Scott Beattie and John Somerville took advantage of the easing winds to keep Steve and Phil on their toes.
Elsewhere within the fleet there was some close racing throughout all races and it very much depended on who made the least mistakes!
Overall results:
| Boat | Helm | Crew | Club | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Pts |
| 3621 | S Goacher | P Evans | Royal Windemere | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 3641 | A Dunning | D Lawson | BASS | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| 3602 | T Crumpton | J Mathie | Derwent RSC | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 9 |
| 3673 | S Beattie | J Somerville | BASS | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| 3557 | N Platt | D Potter | Bolton & W.Kirby | RTD | 3 | 5 | 3 | 11 |
| 3268 | W Carruthers | A Smith | BASS | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 17 |
| 3639 | M Lyddon | P Wright | Bala SC | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 22 |
| 3473 | M Moore | C Moore | BASS | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 23 |
| 3560 | I Campbel | T Fisher | BASS | 11 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 25 |
| 3690 | T Kirchin | J Haddock | Loch Earn | 12 | 9 | RTD | 7 | 28 |
| 3385 | M Middleton | M Cowan | BASS | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 31 |
| 2162 | J Arnold | M Pearce | Ogston SC | 9 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 32 |
| 3293 | I Preston | A Preston | BASS | 8 | 14 | RTD | 12 | 34 |
| 3273 | P Burnell | P Newton | BASS | RTD | 13 | RTD | 14 | 42 |
Further results on results page
After a weekend of blustery conditions, numbers were depleted for the Sunday afternoon pennant traditionally sailed around the lake. The six starters, comprising 3 flying 15s, a laser, a dart and a GP14, were all in close contention until they reached the narrows at Scarness. William Carruthers in his F15, crewed by Commodore Miles Middleton, managed to take the lead at this point in typically shifty conditions made somewhat worse by the frequency and strength of the backing gusts of wind.
The capsize of Neil Garrison and Margaret Trotter in the Dart in Scarness bay helped the GP and Laser decide that it was time to head home! So that left the three F15s.
The winds continued to lift, head, and fade in a generally unpredictable manner and although distances between boats increased and disappeared, the overall order was held until the finish. There were some exciting spinnaker runs on the way back and apart from Bill Wheeler with crew Pete Nuttall mistaking a fishing buoy for a mark of the course leading to them retiring there were no mishaps.
As the race was on fleet handicap the finishing order was the overall result - 1st Willam Carruthers and Miles Middleton; 2nd Mike Moore and Toni Nuttall
The GP14 North East areas was held at Derwent Reservoir on 6/7 May. After some very close, competitive racing Bassenthwaite helms Mike Fairlamb and Andrew Greenhalgh both tied on six points after counting four out of five races. Mike Fairlamb and crew Mike Cowan were delighted to receive the Trophy especially as it is the first season that Mike Fairlamb has owned a GP.
This weekend saw a busy time for sailors on Bassenthwaite Lake. Saturday saw the continuation of the Max Joule Memorial Trophy, a long series of eight races that is nearing its climax. The blustery winds led to exciting racing for all concerned. The first race proved very eventful, the Commodore, Miles Middleton who was leading, lost his crew overboard. Good job Mike Cowan could swim! Miles eventually finished 5th in that race. Hugh Godfrey and Rhonwen Bryce won the race in a GP14. They bravely flew the spinnaker where others didn’t dare for the blustery conditions. Andy Smith on a Laser won the 2nd race – even without the battens in his sail.
After a communal barbecue on Saturday evening a test was set to determine the appropriateness of musical chairs. The continuing competitiveness and enthusiasm of the Commodore to win even off the water left some of those taking part feeling rather sore the following morning! - perhaps the new guidelines were prepared after some similar events elsewhere. This was all followed by some mysterious late night scooter riding which left Andy Smith resting for the rest of the weekend due to his scooter accident.
Sunday and Monday saw Club Championship sailing. The conditions both days ensured very thrilling racing. The Flying Fifteen fleet were competing for the Ullock Mug. Scott Beattie and John Somerville were the clear winners, with William Carruthers and Alan Smith 2nd. The GP14 fleet were competing for the Macmillan cup. There was some thrilling racing in all five races and a close result. Julian and Jane Cruickshank were 1st, with Hugh Godfrey and Rhonwen Bryce 2nd. A notable GP14 finisher on Saturday was Richard Hodgkins who at 12 is the youngest GP14 helm this year. Unfortunately an untimely capsize lead him to retire from the rest of the races. It also meant that his crew for the day Mike Cowan went swimming again. Don't worry Mike, Mike Fairlamb will be back soon. The Lasers were competing for the Easter Trophy. Mark Somerville was the clear winner, with Robin Dawson 2nd.
It was another busy weekend for racers this weekend as the fleet competed for the Celebrity Glass Trophy.
Saturday saw 12 boats out on the lake with some close racing throughout the fleet. A few close calls and a slight collision on the start line all added to the excitement. The winds were being typical Bass. At the back of the fleet, at one point it looked as if Ginge Hodgkins was going to be beaten by his youngest son, Richard, crewed by his brother Philip. Fortunately a change in the wind meant that Ginge came in about a minute before his sons crossed the line. Watch out Dad!
Sunday saw a windless start to the day, but by lunch time the wind had arrived and a small fleet took to the water. The wind filled in and this made for some close racing. Another young face could be seen out on the lake today, Emily Carruthers. This was 8 year old Emily’s second race as a crew in the GP 14. She has discovered the fun of sailing – watch out Dad she will want her own boat next!
The second race was longer with the fleet spreading out as each lap was covered.
Mike Moore had another slight encounter with another flying fifteen at the first buoy - as if there was not enough water for everyone to sail in!
The results were very close and after a recount Mike Fairlamb and Mike Cowen were victorious adding yet another trophy to their collection - well done.
2nd Mike Moore, 3rd Paul Burnell, 4th Ginge Hodgkins, 5th Nigel Lewis.
A testing set of winds were offered to the formidable teams over the weekend. Overnight leaders were Cheat Seekers and they continued to hold their position, though only just, in the heavier winds that increased throughout Sunday’s racing. In the final reckoning Windermere’s Cheat Seekers beat Bassenthwaite’s Where’s Scott Gone by just one point! Well done one and all.
The Grotty Potty was awarded by last year’s winner, Terry Crumpton, to John Somerville for a triple backward somersault though other contenders included Commodore William Carruthers for a display of his inability to readily manoeuvre away from the jetty (in front of a crowd of onlooking helms) and Steve Goacher for almost capsizing.
R1 |
R2 |
R3 |
R4 |
Pts |
|||
Cheat |
3621 S Goacher | 1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
||
Seekers |
3557 C Ducker | 4 |
1 |
7 |
6 |
72 |
1 |
| 3574 N Tullett | 12 |
16 |
12 |
9 |
|||
Where's |
3673 S Beattie | 18 |
9 |
8 |
3 |
||
Scott |
3593 N Currie | 5 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
73 |
2 |
Gone |
3641 A Dunning | 8 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
||
Fairies |
3636 J Hardisty | 7 |
8 |
5 |
11 |
||
on the |
3293 T Wills | 14 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
98 |
3 |
Tree |
3638 H Green | 3 |
4 |
6 |
5 |
||
| 3332 W Somerville | 9 |
6 |
18 |
19 |
|||
WWC |
3560 I Campbell | 6 |
14 |
13 |
19 |
151 |
4 |
| 3268 W Carruthers | 11 |
12 |
11 |
13 |
|||
Back |
3285 T Lee | 20 |
10 |
14 |
16 |
||
to the |
3587 R Donaldson | 10 |
22 |
17 |
15 |
152 |
5 |
Future |
3602 T Crumpton | 13 |
7 |
4 |
4 |
||
| 3385 M Middleton | 21 |
19 |
20 |
18 |
|||
B Brigade |
3684 N Platt | 2 |
22 |
22 |
19 |
186 |
6 |
| 3639 M Lyddon | 15 |
11 |
9 |
8 |
|||
| 3646 H Simpson | 17 |
13 |
15 |
14 |
|||
Capt Blue |
3451 I Cameron | 19 |
18 |
19 |
18 |
194 |
7 |
| 3666 J Gerard | 16 |
17 |
16 |
12 |