The One Bassenthwaite Lake Sailing Week - First Weekend
by Mik Chappell on 1 Aug 2016
30 July - 7 August 2016
Bassweek Regatta started with the four race Jennings Challenge Series over last weekend, 30th and 31th July.
There were eleven fleets starting at two minute intervals including one for the Graduates who were holding their Northern Championship and the Mirrors as it was a round in their Northern Traveller trophy. In total there were just over one hundred and fifty competing boats.
The weather on both days was ideal for racing with a constant force 3 to 4 wind and fair weather. There were relatively few crews who capsized and virtually all boats were righted again before the rescue craft were along side. Racing was restricted to Dubwath Bay in the northern part of the Lake. With the north west wind necessitating a short first beat in the two Saturday races there was some congestion at the windward mark with minor collisions and turns being taken.
Leading results in the majority of the fleets were remarkably constant with the winner in the Flying Fifteen, GP14, Enterprise, Graduate, RS200 and Medium Handicap fleets all being decided before the last race.
The Fast Handicap fleet was decided on count back and the large Solo fleet on the last race. The Mirror series was also decided on the final race with the two lead boats finishing just five seconds apart.
The prize-giving was worth attending with, as always, a significant number of awards in each fleet. These were again being provided by the generous lead sponsor, The Lakes Distillery.
Results can be found at www.bassweek.org.uk/16jc