The Great North Asymmetric Challenge at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club

Mike Cowan during the Great North Asymmetric Challenge at Bassenthwaite © Mik Chappell

Angus Winchester during the Great North Asymmetric Challenge at Bassenthwaite © Mik Chappell

Bassenthwaite SC held its first Open Meeting of the season at the weekend. The Great North Asymmetric Challenge (known as GNAC to all) goes from strength to strength and, this year, attracted thirty seven asymmetrically rigged boats from a variety of Northern, North Midland and Scottish Clubs. There were even two entries from Isle of Man SC this year.

Classes ranged from RS800's and Musto Skiffs to RS200s and Vareos but there was a single start for all with results determined on each boat's PY.

At Saturday's start time there was fresh snow on the fell tops and it was bitterly cold. But there was no wind whatsoever and there was an hour's delay before the Committee Boat ventured out. However, the wind was so light and variable that there was a further long delay before any semblance of a reasonable windward – leeward course could be set.

The wind then settled from a northerly direction for the first two races but it was light and patchy. This did not suit the Skiffs and other boats with a low PY and, even at this early stage, the RS400 was the boat to beat. Chris Pickles / Matt Sharman (Delph) and Paul & Jude Allen (Leigh & Lowton) took a win apiece setting the tone for the Event's lead positions.

Hamish Gledhill / Simon Dowse (West Riding) started well with a pair of seconds during the Saturday races.

The wind shifted to the west midway through the third race and it shortened but the final one of the day followed immediately and it was early evening before competitors could get ashore to warm up helped by the serving of curry for the evening meal!

On Sunday morning the wind was still swinging from various directions and, again, setting a line was a feat in itself. The first two attempts at the first race start resulted in General Recalls so the race was subsequently started under black flag. It led to a change in the lead result with Wayne & Deb Fletcher (Scaling Dam) taking first place to add to a second on the previous day. They had pulled out of the final races on Saturday meaning they were to far adrift to contest the lead places.

Mike Kneale & Kath Simpson during the Great North Asymmetric Challenge at Bassenthwaite - photo © Mik Chappell

Dave Exley / Joe Hartigan (Leigh & Lowton) took the win in Race 6 to match one they had taken in Race 3 on their way to third place overall while Pickles / Sharman were setting consecutive low point scores.

The race officer had to endure moving the line several more times while competitors endured hail and rain amidst some sunny periods. By early afternoon the wind was strengthening and, in Race 7, there was a winner who was not in an RS400 as Dan Trotter (Derwent Reservoir) took the bullet in his Skiff.

The final race went to the Paul & Jude Allen from Michael Sims (Carsington) but, with their third place, Pickles / Sharman were able to take overall victory from the Allens by a solitary point.

Overall Results: