Hansa Class Traveller Trophy Event at Burghfield Sailing Club

Burghfield Hansa Dinghy Open © Simon Smith

Burghfield Hansa Dinghy Open © Simon Smith

'The Hansa Swan represents perfect union and balance – a vehicle for the harmony of wind, sea and sailor' – a fair description of the craft participating today at the Hansa Traveller Trophy, hosted by Burghfield Sailing Club (Sailability) and its crew of willing volunteers under the overall management of beachmaster Pat Forbes.

The four-mark races got underway in bright sunshine and a moderate offshore breeze after the briefing from race officer Simon Smith. The Liberties made good headway throughout the day with Ric Cassell from Swarkestone winning all four races and Rutland's Simon Harle a very close second. Unfortunately Tom Harper retired for the day during the second race due to technical difficulties.

Following in their wake was the bevy of seven one-person and a pair of two-person 303s. Frensham sailors James Woosnam and Tessa Watkiss earned the overall first and second; with Frensham pair Peter and Peta Etherton overall winners and Leslie Philip and Hugh Lansdowne from Tideway commendable runners-up. Among the 2.3 competitors, three of the races were won by Frensham Pond's Lindsay Burns, closely followed by Burghfield's Martin Stone who won the last race of the day with Pat Crowley from Rutland a very close third.

Engraved tumblers were presented to all the winners by Burghfield Sailability's Alan Glanville, who also thanked all the competitors, volunteers and the race officer and his team. On behalf of all competitors, Andy Sheath, chair of the Hansa class association (UK) management committee, thanked the club's volunteers in appreciation of the day's effort, in particular Burghfield Sailing Club manager, Pat Forbes; Registration and results: Sue; Race officer and team: Simon, Andy and Chris; Hoist and H-pontoon team: Ian, Alan, Peter and John; Safety boats and beach teams: Jay and Alan, Dave and Eric, Steve and Tudor, Sam and Marie, David and Les; Tim, Ivor and John. Catering: Kris and Peter and Mari (cakes), for hosting an enjoyable and weed-free day's sailing competition.

2.3 Traveller Class results:

1. Lindsay Burns (Frensham Pond)
2. Martin Stone (Burghfield)
3. Pat Crowley (Rutland)

Hansa 303-one person results:

1. James Woosnam (Frensham Pond)
2. Tessa Watkiss (Frensham Pond
3. Monique Foster (Frensham Pond)
4. Kate Hedley (Frensham Pond)
5. Paul Phillips (Frensham Pond)
6. Martin Hurricane Hadley (New Forest)
7. Alison Grant (Frensham Pond)

Hansa 303-two person results:

1. Peter Etherton and Peta Etherton (Frensham Pond)
2. Leslie Philip and Hugh Lansdowne (Tideway)

Liberty Traveller results:

1. Ric Cassell (Swarkestone SC)
2. Simon Harle (Rutland)
3. Tom Harper (New Forest & District)

Burghfield Hansa Dinghy Open - photo © Simon Smith