Access Class TT at the Woolverstone Project, Alton Water
by Julia Dansie 22 Aug 2013 14:43 BST
21 August 2013
Access TT at Woolverstone © Sue Sutherland
Eight in the morning on the 21st August saw the early volunteers arriving at the Woolverstone Project to start setting the scene for the annual Access Class Travellers trophy.
The decision not to erect the marque was a good one as the sun was shining, the skies were blue, and it's a mammoth task!
The wind was fair and all looked good for an excellent day on the water.
Visiting boats started to arrive almost as we unlocked the gates which was really encouraging and as the number started to swell, bacon and fried egg buns, teas and coffee were handed out to all who had travelled long or short distances.
Sailors and their supporters arrived from clubs as far afield as Surry, London and Rutland and we were delighted to see amongst the visitors the Access 2.3 European Campion Lindsay Burns. Congratulations to her for a great achievement.
As is the way with wind and nature, just as we were calling for the briefing the wind dropped to virtually zero. Undaunted the OOD Mike Oldroyd gave an hours delay and the wind rose to a gentle but good enough strength.
There were two races in the morning followed by a very tasty lunch, during which we networked, sun bathed and then were back on the water. The winds had picked up strength and the fleet of boats looked delightful as they wove round the markers and other craft that occasionally joined the race area. Two races later the boats all headed in and the unanimous feedback from the sailors was that a great time was had on the water.
More refreshments as the volunteers and support people packed away the boats under still blue skies.
The race presentation finished up a very successful and hugely enjoyable day.
Overall Results:
Access 2.3
1st Lindsay Burns (Frensham Pond)
2nd Ron Sawford (Rutland)
Access 303 - One Person
1st Monique Foster (Frensham Pond)
2nd Tessa Watkiss (Frensham Pond)
3rd Paul Phillips (Frensham Pond)
Access 303 – Two Persons
1st Leslie Phillips and Hugh Lansdowne (Tideway London)
2nd John Aldridge and David Cousins (Woolverstone)
3rd Gordon Potter and Jan Sparrow (Woolverstone)
Thanks to all the people who gave time and energy to make this race day happen without whom we could not operate, and we look forward to hosting the event again next year.
To see more pictures from the day, please see the Woolverstone Project website.