Hansa National TT Series Finale at Oxford Sailability

by Richard Johnson 26 Oct 2014 16:41 GMT 22 October 2014

The 12th and last event in the Hansa National TT Series and the 4th and last in the Hansa Southern TT Series took place at Oxford on 22nd October but organisers wondered if the force 7-8 gale blowing on Tuesday would put everyone off. Thankfully it didn't and the fleets, although reduced, assembled in a cool but steady Force 2-3 breeze the following day.

First start was the Liberty fleet. David Durston of Whitefriars proved that a clean hull and good sails are a fast combination with three wins. An immaculate start in race 3, right on the gun, showed that good sailing also helps. Rutland's Simon Harle trailed in the morning but found form in the afternoon for second overall with a 3, 3, 2, 1 score-line. Vince Barton from New Forest got the best out of older sails with some good boat handling for a 2, 2, 3, 2 score and was unlucky not to do better than third.

It was a Frensham walkover in the 303 Single person class, with James Woosnam, fast off the start line, usually leading the fleet and discarding a second place to win convincingly. Tessa Watkiss beat James in the last race for second overall, with consistent fast sailing followed by Paul Phillips in the 303 Sport, always in touch and a consistent third.

There were just two 303 doubles but the fast and pristine yellow sails of Rutland's Chris Emmet and Malcolm Kirk kept up with the top three Singles, showing that their win was no fluke and a slim crew minimises the weight disadvantage.

There were only four 2.3s, including one with a crew. Pat Crowley has an enviable record this year, coming 3rd at the UK Nationals, winning two other events and always being in the top three. Despite the absence of other front runners, Pat maintained a high standard of sailing to dominate the fleet and win by a large margin.

Oxford Hansa TT Results:

Hansa 2.3 Class
First – Pat Crowley – Rutland
Second – Rik Hughes Rutland
Third – Jack Collier and Esme Haig - Oxford

Hansa 303 One Person Class
First – James Woosnam - Frensham
Second – Tessa Watkiss – Frensham
Third – Paul Philips - Frensham

Hansa 303 Two Person Class
First – Chris Emmet and Malcolm Kirk - Rutland
Second – Ian Cox and Rose Tod - Oxford

Hansa Liberty Class
First – David Durston - Whitefriars
Second – Simon Harle – Rutland
Third – Vince Barton – New Forest

Hansa Southern TT Series 2014 Overall Results:

Hansa 2.3 Class
First – Lindsay Burns - Frensham
Second – Pat Crowley – Rutland
Third – Rik Hughes - Rutland

Hansa 303 One Person Class
First – James Woosnam - Frensham
Second – Tessa Watkiss – Frensham
Third – Paul Philips - Frensham

Hansa 303 Two Person Class
First – Peter and Peta Etherton - Frensham
Second – Leslie Philip and Hugh Lansdowne – Tideway London
Third - Chris Emmet and Malcolm Kirk - Rutland

Hansa Liberty Class
First – David Durston - Whitefriars
Second – Tom Harper – New Forest
Third – Ric Cassell - Swarkestone

Hansa National TT Series 2014 Overall Results:

Hansa 2.3 Class
First – Lindsay Burns - Frensham
Second – Pat Crowley – Rutland
Third – Rik Hughes - Rutland

Hansa 303 One Person Class
First – Paul Philips - Frensham
Second – Tessa Watkiss – Frensham
Third – Kate Hedley - Frensham

Hansa 303 Two Person Class
First – Chris Emmet and Malcolm Kirk - Rutland
Second – Leslie Philip and Hugh Lansdowne – Tideway London
Third - Peter and Peta Etherton - Frensham

Hansa Liberty Class
First – David Durston - Whitefriars
Second – Tom Harper – New Forest
Third – Ric Cassell – Swarkestone

The Ben Ainslie Hansa Team Trophy
First – Frensham Pond Sailability
Second – Rutland Sailability
Third – New Forest and District Sailability