Rio by the Lake at the Notts County Spring Regatta

Chloe and Nicola Willlars, third Scorpion at the Notts County Spring Regatta © David Eberlin

Notts County Sailing Club's annual Spring regatta had a large entry with a good number of visitors, including the Graduate Nationals. One of the visitors even tried to poach our caterer Pauline, they all had a great time and thanked the club for their hospitality.

Notts County Spring Regatta chose its theme based on the Olympics with Rio by the Lake providing decorations, Cocktail inspiration and the like.

The Spring Regatta is a family affair with camping, and lots of activity for children and adults alike, along with a good dose of racing.

Thanks also to the sponsors; P&B, RS Sailing, Musto, Morton Boats, Gill, Noble Marine Insurance, Allen Brothers and H&B Clark, all providing prizes for the various cups and activities, their continued support really helps.

These include the Commodore's Cup (Handicap racing) won by Richard Mason & John Rowell in a Fireball, with William Thomas taking the Junior trophy in a Topper. Class racing, and the regatta Cup (Novice racing).

Youngsters joining in the Commodore's Cup in a Mirror at the Notts County Spring Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

Along with Team racing, using boats kindly loaned by The University of Nottingham Sailing Club who are based at Notts County SC. This again was popular this year with lots of junior crews, particularly sons and daughters experiencing some good team racing at times, the youngest competitor being five years old.

Team racing at the Notts County Spring Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

There were around 30 juniors on the water and 10 were in the junior start (and quite a few were racing in the main fleets.) William Thomas won the overall Junior Cup in a Topper with Amy Hinsliff-Smith second and Oscar Concannon 3rd both in the Laser Radials.

The Regatta Cup is for Juniors and first time helms – not pot hunters! This year saw a record turnout with 29 competing, some racing for the first time, it was won by Janet & John Glendening. The Regatta Juniors being won by William Thomas followed by Louis Dobson.

William Thomas who won all the junior prizes at the Notts County Spring Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

The fun starts with a BBQ on Friday, and racing commences on the Saturday late morning. 180 signed up for the event and there were 67 boats on the water at any one time (so probably near 100 boats sailing).

We were joined this year by 18 Graduates who held their National Championships (see separate reports on the YachtsandYachting.com website) at Notts County Sailing Club over the weekend. They had their own start and some close and exciting racing along with joining in the socials and fun events.

Saturday was fairly calm and fluky, with the wind shifting, dropping and moving all the time, the hard working race officers just had to try and hit the average wind direction. The evening entertainment included a superb magician - Roy Bond and a Pauline roast dinner and a silent disco.

Roy Bond the magician at work at the Notts County Spring Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

Pauline's roasts are served at the Notts County Spring Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

Sunday saw more wind and steadier conditions, it was a little cooler but more enjoyable sailing. The evening saw a meal and fancy dress. Mondays racing saw some spells of quite windy weather, with number of spills, planing at times and some fun conditions.

The Class racing was won by Richard & Sarah Mason in the Scorpions, Handicap (Menagerie) was won by Will Gardner and Nicki Theokritoff in a Flying Fifteen, the RS400 racing was won by Ross and Oliver Ryan, Lasers by Luke Hardy.

Prize giving took place late afternoon and Pauline the caterer was thanked along with race officer, safety crews and of course the sponsors; P&B, RS Sailing, Musto, Morton Boats, Gill, Noble Marine Insurance, Allen Brothers & H&B Clark. Thanks should also go to the Adrain Jones & Viv Weston who spent many hours ensuring it all went smoothly.

For more photos see ncsc.org.uk/2016/05/29/rio-by-the-lake-spring-regatta-report

Overall Results: