Lancashire Special Schools Sailing Regatta at Bolton Sailing Club

Lancashire Special Schools Sailing Regatta 2012 © Warren Price

On Wednesday 11th July nine schools from around Lancashire gathered at Bolton Sailing Club for the Lancashire Special Schools Sailing Regatta. This is the biggest turnout yet for this event. The sun was out but the weather was not kind with a steady force 4-5 wind for all of the day. However this did not deter our intrepid sailors who went out for a quick practice before starting the first race.

Conner from Moor Hey got off to an excellent start and was way ahead on the first leg. However as he reached the windward mark it became apparent that the wind conditions had worsened and most of our sailors were struggling to cope. It was decided to abandon the race and return to shore for lunch. Despite the wind all the sailors came in with big smiles and even bigger appetites for the wonderful spread provided by the ladies of Bolton Galley (thank you very much it was delicious).

After polishing off the buffet our sailors went back out for the second race which would decide the results. The wind was kinder and most managed to negotiate the course successfully. The final result was 1st Ridgewood Community High School (Burnley), 2nd Astley Park (Chorley), and 3rd Broadfield GLD School (Oswaldtwistle). Well done to all the other schools who took part – Tor View School (Haslingden), Moor Hey School (Lostock Hall), Pendle Community High School (Nelson), Sir Tom Finney Community High School (Preston), Green Lane Special School (Warrington) and Great Arley (Blackpool).

Many thanks to Pendle School Sports Partnership for their support. The Access boats were kindly loaned by Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club, Bolton Sailing Club, Gill Head Outdoor Centre, Blackwell Sailability and the Access Association. Finally a big thank you to all the staff who came with the children and the 15 fantastic volunteers from Bolton Sailing Club who made this super day possible.