Hollowell Sailing Club Sunday Summer Series - Day 1
by Robin Buxton 9 Jun 2015 12:54 BST
6-7 June 2015
McMillan's Merlin Rocket on day 1 of the Hollowell Summer Series © Paul Mallard
Hat-trick for Hollowell at Banbury Sailing Club
With fabulous weather marking the first weekend of racing for the Summer Series, Hollowell sailors were in top form.
The weekend started with the annual Tiller, Spar and Daggerboard - an interclub event between Banbury, Cransley and Hollowell Sailing Club. Each of the three boat parts represents a fleet ranging from fast to slow. This year the event was hosted by Banbury Sailing Club.
Unfortunately, Cransley were unable to attend, so it was a straight fight between Banbury and Hollowell. Winds on the day were moderate, although there was a strong south westerly gust reaching 30 mph at times. Being on home waters, Banbury had the advantage. However, Hollowell mustered a strong team and came away with all three fleet trophies.
Meanwhile, back at Hollowell Sailing Club, Tim Robinson, sailing his Laser took advantage of the lack of competition to win the Saturday Sprint.
On Sunday, there was a big turnout for the first day of the Sunday Summer Series. In total, some 30 boats took part in the day's racing. Sailors were blessed with a north westerly wind which provided a clean moderate airstream down the length of the reservoir. Although forecasts predicted only 12mph gusts, actual observed speeds on the reservoir were slightly higher, resulting in the odd capsize.
The first race in the morning went to Mike and Helen Playle. Sailing their Wayfarer, they successfully fended off strong competition from Rob Dunkley in his Blaze and Ian Brett in his RS300.
The second race, after lunch was a straight fight between three of Hollowell's usual contenders - Rob Dunkley beating off a Laser attack from Ian Clark and Simon Cray.
The final race of the day saw the Playles once again take the podium. They also had to beat off a Laser attack from Simon Cray and Lawrence Creaser.
Commenting after the race, Duty Officer Mark Hope remarked "We were lucky with the weather today. It made my job all that easier and produced some excellent sailing conditions."
This coming weekend sees the start of the Saturday Summer Series, plus the continuation of the Sunday Summer Series. The forecast is currently looking good with the northerly wind enduring.