Noble Marine Supernova Travellers at Combs Sailing Club

Supernovas at Combs © Malcolm Andrew

Supernovas at Combs © Malcolm Andrew

Saturday 1st September started with overcast skies and a fresh breeze from a westerly direction. Twenty one boats competed in the latest round of the Noble Marine Insurance sponsored Supernova Travellers Series hosted by Combs Sailing Club in Derbyshire's Peak District. The Supernova class dinghy and its Open Circuit show continuing growth as eight home Supernovas were joined by thirteen visitors.

With the boats rigged the sun started to break though and the wind came round to a more southerly direction. This wind direction was always going to make life difficult for the principal race officer Rick Whitehouse and his team. By changing the start line and altering the course they were able to provide good dinghy racing.

Race 1 was won by Stuart Catterall from Bolton Sailing Club. Stuart led from the start and was never headed. Paul Undrell (Haversham) was a consistent second with Chris Hawley (Bartley) in third.

A longer starting line was adopted for race two and whilst it was difficult to take out the bias as the wind direction continued to shift, more starting options were now available. Tony Critchley (Bolton) got the ideal start and was leading after the first lap. Paul Earnshaw (Haversham) managed to head Tony and took the lead on Lap two. Paul Thompson (Combs) and Chris Hawley were swapping places in third and fourth. Paul Earnshaw held the lead up to the fourth and final lap, before Tony regained the lead. With only the final mark to round and a short beat up to the line Tony managed to capsize on the leeward side of the mark! Paul Earnshaw gratefully regained first place with Chris Hawley second and Paul Thompson third. Stuart Reid (Combs) recorded an excellent fifth place after making up five places on the last lap.

The pin end of the line was favoured for race three. With so many boats bunched together Don Appleton (Bolton) elected to take the right hand side of the beat. Clear air and some generous lifts took Don to the windward mark amongst the leaders. Tony Critchley had an excellent start and was leading after the first lap. He was briefly headed by Paul Thompson who led after lap two. Stuart Catterall was lying third. No mistakes this time as Tony regained the lead and took the race with Paul Thompson second, Stuart Catterall third, and Chris Hawley just pipping brother Steve to take fourth place.

Constantly shifting winds ensured numerous place changes and close racing throughout the day. Congratulations to the event winner Stuart Catterall with a score of 4 points. The three following helms all recorded a score of 5 points.

Overall Results: