Hollowell Sailing Club Sunday Summer Series - Day 2
by Robin Buxton 16 Jun 2015 13:05 BST
13-14 June 2015
Sunshine on day 2 of the Hollowell Summer Series © Paul Mallard
Lack of wind causes first day of Saturday Summer Series to be abandoned
In complete contrast to last week's racing, it was a disappointing start to the first day of the Saturday Summer Series. The wind shifted through an entire 360 degrees, but you wouldn't have known it, since there was hardly any at all. In fact there was so little wind, sailors competing in Saturday's race struggled to get off the shoreline.
In the end, only one race was eventually run on Saturday, with the Solo Fleet taking all three positions on the podium. Anthony Stevens took first place, ahead of Allan Winters and Simon King. The second race was abandoned due to the lack of wind.
Thankfully, conditions were far better for the 2nd day of the Sunday Summer Series. In total around 30 boats took part in light to moderate winds. Experience played a big part in how you faired in the day's racing. Mike & Helen Playle as always read the conditions correctly, choosing to sail their Wayfarer. The combination of the Wayfarer's large sails and Mike's ability to find the correct line meant that the 'Duo' won all three races on Sunday.
However they were chased every inch of the way by the young and talented Lawrence Creaser, sailing a Streaker. Creaser although not managing to overtake the Playle's finished second in all three races.
Behind the two leaders, a battle ensued for third place. Veteran Laser sailor Ian Clark gained a third in the first race, Mark Hudson in his Laser claimed third in the second race and a Merlin Rocket sailed by the McMillians claimed third in the final race.
Understandably the Playles now lead the Sunday Summer Series overall, having dominated Day 2 and having already bagged a first from the previous week.
Commenting after the race, Mike Playle remarked "There was nice wind out there today which suited our Wayfarer. Looking forward to a pint now".
This coming weekend the Saturday Summer Series continues and competitors will be hoping for fairer winds. On the Sunday, Hollowell Sailing Club will be playing host to the Midland Laser and Solo Open. This will see some of the Midland's top sailors in action.
Series results can be found here.