Billy No Mates Trophy at Carsington Sailing Club
by Gillian Pearson 5 May 2007 22:38 BST
28-29 April 2007
Kit Stenhouse at the Billy No Mates Trophy at Carsington © Gillian Pearson
Over 50 helms of fast single-handed dinghies, from twelve different classes, signed on for the inaugural Billy No Mates Trophy Weekend at Carsington Water. There were three races, back-to-back, each day over a big square course with everyone starting together. This proved to be a real showcase for the boats, encouraging close but fair racing. Everyone had a good time; there was a genuine spirit of camaraderie and co-operation between the classes both on and off the water.
The weather was glorious: sun and a good Force 5-6 on Saturday, slightly less wind on Sunday. The competitors reveled in the conditions: There were immaculate displays of boat handling and agility to admire at the front end of each fleet. Richard and Kit Stenhouse, in Musto Skiffs, were absolutely flying and lead in most of the races on the Saturday. When the wind dropped a little on the Sunday, the Asymmetric Canoes, Contenders and Vortex were mixing it at the front with the Musto Skiffs. Further back down the fleet, the helms were having their own private battles with each other, their boats and the elements. There were enough capsizes and close shaves to make watching entertaining and to keep the rescue boats busy.
It was an enthralling and fascinating sight. If you were thinking of getting into a single-hander or changing between classes the event provided the perfect opportunity to evaluate the boats for yourself. With a good sprinkling of World and National Champions on the water it was apparent that most of the perceived differences in performance and ease of sailing were not due to the boat but the skill of the helm.
Generous sponsorship from Evolution Sailing and WH Insurance ensured 1 in 5 of the starters, and not just the winners on handicap, received prizes. Richard Stenhouse, sailing a Musto Skiff, was presented with the Billy No Mates Trophy, having won 5 of the 6 races.
Overall Results:
1. Richard Stenhouse, Musto Skiff
2. Tim Holden, Contender
3. Kit Stenhouse, Musto Skiff
4. Paul Holden, Contender
5. Keith Escritt, Vortex