Access Class Traveller Series at Whitefriars Sailing Club
by Ron Sawford 18 Apr 2013 16:52 BST
10 April 2013
Access Class Traveller Series at Whitefriars © Chris Stout
Access sailing dinghies enable the widest range of people to enjoy sailing regardless of age, cultures, emotional status or level of physical or other disabilities. Whitefriars Sailability Group run dedicated sailing sessions for the less able sailor on Wednesdays throughout the Summer, and encourage disabled sailors to participate in all club activities, including training and racing.
The first Access Traveller Trophy Event of the year was held at Whitefriars Sailing Club on Wednesday 10th Aprill. Although this venue is one of the best in the country, with good facilities and open water for sailing, the late Spring and colder weather earlier in the month put some groups off from bringing their sailors. However on the day all three boat classes were contested.
The weather conditions for racing were perfect, with lighter winds for the first two morning races, and a medium breeze for the 3rd and 4th races in the afternoon.
The Liberty class had some good competition with Dave Durston from the home club (Whitefriars) winning the first two race despite a mainsheet winch failure. Vince Barton (New Forest Sailability) hustled him but could only finish 2nd in these two races. In the 3rd and 4th races Vince got his own back by winning both races and Dave trailing him in. Vince finished overall 1st and Dave finished a creditable 2nd.
The 2.3 class was dominated by Lindsay Burns (Frensham) who won the first three races by significant margins. Christine David (Frensham) finished second in these races. By mutual consent the scheduled 4th race for this Class was not run as the overall position could not be changed ie Lindsay 1st and Christine 2nd.
The 303 class (single handed) was very closely contested with races being dominated by Frensham sailors. Tessa Watkiss (Frensham) winning the first race, Monique Foster (Frensham) 2nd and Paul Phillips (Frensham) 3rd. The second, third and fourth races were all won by Paul, with Monique and Tessa challenging for places. The overall position was Paul 1st, Tessa 2nd and Monique 3rd.
The 303 class (twin) racing was won by Leslie Philip and Hugh Lansdowne (Tideway).
Alistair Baird, Whitefriars Sailing Cub Vice Commodore awarded the prizes.