NSSA Single Handed Team Racing Championship
by Robin Buxton 8 Oct 2013 07:52 BST
5-6 October 2013
Oxford and Northants lining up for the final race of the NSSA Single Handed Team Racing Championship © Robin Buxton
This weekend Hollowell Sailing Club, the RYA 2012 Club of the Year, hosted the National School Sailing Association Single Handed Team Racing Championships.
It was a logistical operations that was months in the planning and akin to that of a major sporting event. It involved the organisation, transportation, rigging and de-rigging of numerous crafts and the help of more than 60 club members volunteering, plus numerous others busy working away behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly. Seventy-five youngsters, plus Team Managers and Support Staff travelled to Hollowell, from all corners of the Country to compete in one of the biggest under 19 years sailing events in the calendar. In total, more than 150 races were run over the two day and nearly 400 meals were served by volunteers of the club.
In the end it boiled down to just two nail-biting races in the finals between Oxford and Northants. The Northants team consisted of Arran Holman (Hollowell), Izzy King (Hollowell) and Joe Anstee (Middle Nene). Northants, who performed better as a team than Oxford and correctly read the wind, quickly gained the advantage in the first race, winning convincingly. The two opposing teams were then were required to swap boats for the final race. Despite Oxford handing over two boats full of water to Northants and the Umpires scrutinising Holman and Anstee for any possible fault that could result in a penalty, Northants took first, second and fifth places in the final race. This was more than sufficient for Northants to win the NSSA Single Handed Team Racing Championship to the roar of supporters on the shoreline.
Following the final race, prizes were awarded to the winners and runner-ups. However first Nicola Wilkinson, Hollowell's Commodore, acknowledged a £3,000 grant from Daventry District Council which was used towards water safety equipment in 2011. Senior Councillor Steve Osbourne from Daventry District Council, who had earlier been out on the water to observe the final races was there to represent the Council. "I've thoroughly enjoyed the day today and thank you for inviting me to share it" remarked Councillor Osbourne.
Also acknowledged was Club member Derek Bunting who was recently awarded 2013 Royal Yachting Association Volunteer of the Year Award for Lifetime Commitment.
In addition, the Club acknowledged Ian Hall and his wife Joyce who will shortly be moving away from the area. Together, Ian and Joyce have given more than 20 years contribution to Hollowell Sailing Club. Ian was awarded RYA Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010 and was responsible for most of the organisation behind this year's NSSA event.
Following his acknowledgement and the weekend's event, Ian Hall remarked "It was a fantastic weekend and due to all the willing and competent volunteers very easy to organise."
Nicola Wilkinson also added, "I'd like to pay particular thanks to all the Competitors, Team Managers and Support Staff, some of whom have travelled great distances to be here this weekend. Without such effort, this weekend could not have been so successful."
Further details of the event can be found on the Hollowell website at www.hollowellsc.org.uk or from the Association at www.nssa.org.uk/sh-team-racing.html