Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy at Northampton Sailing Club

Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy © Anthony York / www.chunkypics.co.uk

Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy © Anthony York / www.chunkypics.co.uk

Over 150 boats enjoyed fantastic winter sailing conditions at the 2010 Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy held at Northampton Sailing Club in aid of Asthma UK raising over £3000 for the charity.

With fantastic sponsorship from some of the top marine companies, there was a great array of prizes available to win. These included Gul, Harken, Gill, Zhik, Musto, Henri Lloyd, Selden, Magic Marine and Pinnell & Bax.

The event is divided into four fleets; double-handed, single-handed, asymmetric and foilers.

Foiling Fleet

Current International Moth National Champion Mike Cooke made light work of the foiling class dominating the event with two wins. The foilers were very impressive foiling 95% of the time with the breeze fluctuating between 5 and 10 knots.

Asymmetric Fleet

The 40 strong asymmetric fleet was dominated by the Cherub of Pete Barton crewed by Dave Ellis, who were powered up despite the light and shifting breeze. Pete and Dave took two bullets ahead of a fleet which ranged from RS200s through to two 49ers. Ben Saxton and Holly Scott were consistent and finished second in their RS200 with the 49er of Rick Peacock and returning local, Simon Marks, 3rd.

Single-Handed Fleet

The Phantom Class dominated the single handers with seven out of the top ten places. Andy Couch took two bullets ahead of Simon Hawkes. The RS300 of Steve Bolland split the Phantoms, finishing third with a very steady performance. Local Phantom sailor and close friend of Steve Nicholson, Simon Cowood finished fourth. In a race dominated by the fast single handers, Aaron Holman impressed - sailing his Optimist into 5thplace and also taking the prize for first Junior.

Double-Handed Fleet

The double-handed fleet boasted sixty starters, which made the start line very challenging, so unsurprisingly the black flag was needed. Andy Smith and Tim Needham led both races in their 505 but never got far enough ahead to win on handicap, they were, however, good enough for third overall. In the light and fickle conditions, the Merlins were often able to outpace the Fireballs and so dominated the event. The Merlin of Matt Biggs and Ben Hollis had a great first beat finding more wind on the left of the course, they were then able to sail away from the chasing pack of Fireballs and Merlins. The second race was won by Olly Turner and Carly Turner in another Merlin, crossing the finish line just inches ahead of local Merlin Tom Stewart and Liam Dempsey. Matt and Ben recovered from a bad start and managed to pull up to seventh place which was enough for them to win on count back, ahead of Ian Dobson and Matt Mee, also in a Merlin.

Tom Gillard and Christian Birrell launched their new 420 at the event and sailed fantastically in the light stuff to finish 4th overall.

The prize for first Non Spinnaker boat went to the well sailed Albacore of Neville Herbert and Mark Fowler. The first all ladies in the double handed fleet was won by Holly Hewatt and Ruth Johnson in their Lark and first lady in the single handed fleet went to Kerry Morgan in a Laser Radial.

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