Craftinsure backs two teams at West Lancs 24 Hour Race 2013
by Tom Daniel, Craftinsure.com 10 Sep 2013 18:18 BST
7-8 September 2013
Gold Lancaster University Sailing Club boat sailed by Sam Robinson and Ben Monks during the Crewsaver West Lancs 24 Hour Race © Craftinsure.com
Congratulations to both of Craftinsure's adopted teams at this year's West Lancashire Yacht Club 24 Hour race. This is the first year that Craftinsure has been involved in sponsoring both a GP14 and an Enterprise for the event.
As in 2012, Craftinsure sponsored the Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club entry. This year the club entered only one team, opting for an all-inclusive entry (rather than an elite A team and less experienced B team as previously). Within the team a variety of ages from teenagers to over-70s sailed faster than average lap times for the majority of the race.
Starting in flight 0 the team stayed in the top 10, even getting up to 3rd place with Martin Brennan and Alistair Knott in the boat for the first two hours. Throughout the race the team moved up and down the rankings eventually settling in the mid-twenties and finishing in 23rd.
Well done to the whole team and it was great to see newer members such as Mike Whitehead, Sam McDougall and Sophia Miles all getting involved in the sailing. Thanks to the support team (Brian and Jean Small in particular), who kept the team fed, and manned the Hollingworth HQ for 22 hours of the race! Team manager Bruce Mager said "great team effort, 11 sailors from the different Hollingworth class fleets, and very well supported".
Craftinsure was also proud to be supporting a university team for the first time. Lancaster University Sailing Club had undoubtedly the best decorated boat which may have had a few leaks but kept sailing for all but 40 minutes of the race, when repairs became essential!
Despite this and an unfortunate 1 lap penalty, the team still battled on to finish as first University Enterprise and for the third year running won the "Surprise Award" for the most recognisable boat. Most spectators were already going to remember the Lancaster boat for its gold foil coating, but never wanting to disappoint, 600 red and green LED lights illuminated the port and starboard sides from 8 pm!
Another fantastic team effort and thanks go to Mike Taylor and the 'old buoys' for a brilliant management performance.
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