Try a 420 Day at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club
by Tim Yeates 11 Jun 2012 15:02 BST
9 June 2012
Try a 420 day at Leigh & Lowton © Tim Yeates
The 420 GBR Class Association organised a coaching and a "Try a 420" event on Saturday 9th June 2012 at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club in Lancashire.
The club was also hosting an RYA Sail for Gold Open Day for local sailors and prospective members to see the great facilities available but it was the fantastic fun being had by the 420's that impressed many of the members and visitors on shore. The wind and rain arrived in abundance but, despite there being various plans in place for onshore activities, the sailors were not for staying ashore.
For 50% of the boats this was their first time out in their new boats whilst others had only just started the transition from Junior classes and used this as their first coached session. These newer sailors found the boat exhilarating, and were particularly pleased as they proved that the boat can be controlled in high winds by quite light crews (approx. 100kgs all up).
A few of the teams decided to test the theory that 420's can be righted from capsize by sub 45kg crews – some were successful – the trouble came when the masts hit the bottom of the flash & dug into the mud and remains of old burgees at the bottom – a little cleansing was required once ashore!
Peter Alton was on hand to offer the benefit of his experience as a 420 sailor and was seen to take to both the helm & the trapeze in various boats to show how it's done. One local sailor that showed up, ready dressed for the water after sailing a Topper at another club in the morning, was taken for a ride around the lake by Peter, we found a harness for him and within minutes of taking to the water he was up on the trapeze with water flying all around. He found the experience really exhilarating and I would not be surprised if he was trying to persuade some cash out of mum & dad to buy a boat on the way home.
The 420's joined in the Club Racing in the afternoon & performed competitively against the local sailors. Leigh & Lowton SC were pleased to be able to host the class and are more than willing for future training or events to be held at the club. It's great to be able to report new local sailors in the class and we are more than happy to welcome new partnerships.
If you would like to join in some 420 sailing in the North or would like further information then please contact the 420 GBR Class Association - www.420sailing.org.uk/ or local contact Tim Yeates, email