Bank holiday sailing at Hollowell Sailing Club
by Robin Buxton 26 May 2015 16:57 BST
23-25 May 2015
Bank holiday sailing at Hollowell © Nicola Wilkinson
There was a full programme of racing this weekend at Hollowell Sailing Club, with the Bank Holiday and fine weather allowing for three days of sailing.
On Saturday the club hosted Day 6 of the Saturday Spring Series. With only one more day left of this exciting series, competition was hot between the participants. Gerry Burnham won both races in his Solo, but he faced strong competition from fellow Solo sailor Anthony Stevens and Larissa Barker in her Splash.
The following day saw Hollowell host its famous 12-hour race. Four teams compete in Wayfarers from 11am to 11pm in this annual event. The event is always well attended and this year was no exception. The junior team, who won the event, boasted more than 20 participants. There were also around 20 participants in each of the mixed teams, plus another 20 in the women's team – aptly named the Rhubarb Tarts!
Commenting on the event, the club's Commodore Nicola Wilkinson remarked, "We had a great turnout for the 12hr race this year; many on the teams had not sailed before so it was an ideal event post Open Day. One couple of visitors who had just come to pay a short visit were soon dressed in wetsuits and on a boat. They spent the rest of the day at the club and now plan to join. "
On Bank Holiday Monday, sailing continued with the annual Hollowell Rose Bowl. 29 boats took part in the three races, with a much acclaimed course being set by Duty Officer Barney Ceaser.
The event was won by the Mike and Helen Playle in their Wayfarer, having beaten off the McMillians in their Merlin Rocket and another Wayfarer sailed by Charles Brett and Nicola Wilkinson.
This coming weekend sees the final day of both the Saturday and Sunday Spring Series so we can expect a couple of days of thrilling racing.