Supernova open meeting at Cotswold Sailing Club

Supernovas race in mixed conditions at Cotswold © Cotswold Sailing Club

Training day

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Noble Marine the Supernova Class Association was able to provide a day of training with an RYA racing coach free of charge for class association members.

23 helms took advantage of this class freebee which is a great turn out. There was plenty of wind and with the expert tuition of Tim Anderton we talked about tactics, starting and gybing technique and spend a lot of the day out on the water putting this into practice. Despite being inland we had a good discussion of wave technique in advance of the National Championships in Brixham later in late June.

With tips for everyone in the fleet from front to back we all learned something and had a bit of fun doing. It is hoped that the Supernova class can arrange more sessions like this in the future.

Thanks to Cotwold Sailing Club and Noble Marine for their support.

Racing day

A fantastic turnout of 36 Helms were rewarded with a great days racing, in mixed conditions from F3 to squally, shifty F5. Race Officer Dave Bevan set great courses for the conditions with a much appreciated super reach the length of the lake.

In Race 1, first to the windward mark was Paul Undrell, followed by Phil East. Gavin Young and Mike Gibson quickly found the lead and stayed there. Cliff Milliner battled back from a poor first leg to take 3rd, with Undrell in 4th and Steve Hawley 5th. A well deserved lunch was then eaten in the clubhouse.

Race 2: The Port end was the place to be and this time CSC's own Adam Underwood took a port tack flyer and led the fleet around the first few marks as he does every year. Gibson, Young and Milliner quickly found the front again, and despite some very close racing they stayed that way to the finish. The next few places were closely fought over with Undrell and Hawley taking 4th and 5th.

Race 3: The wind was building and getting more gusty, with a nice squall coming through during the start sequence. Milliner Port tacked the fleet, but hit the first mark, letting Young through. On the first lap Young sailed into an impressive lead that was never challenged, and this gave him the event win. Gibson overhauled Milliner but the latter just piped him on the finish line. This time Hawley took 4th and Undrell 5th.

Everyone had a good time with lots of great battles and capsizes down the fleet, most notably by the Supernova Treasurer Ian Casewell. A big thank you to all the Galley staff, Safety boat crews, and helpers for making the day successful.

Top 5 Results:

1st Gavin Young - Cotswold
2nd Mike Gibson - Bartley
3rd Cliff Milliner - Cotswold
4th Paul Undrell - Haversham
5th Steve Hawley - Bartley