May Bank Holiday Racing at Hollowell Sailing Club
by Robin Buxton 8 May 2018 11:35 BST
5-7 May 2018
May Bank Holiday Racing at Hollowell Sailing Club © Robin Buxton
At long last a bright yellow light appeared in the sky this weekend. Some of us who are old enough to remember it, call it the SUN. Whatever this strange round glow in the sky is, it has the magical effect of drawing people towards any kind of water. In the case of Hollowell Sailing Club it resulted in around 50 individual boats taking to the water this weekend.
It started with on Saturday when 14 boats took part in Day 5 of the Saturday Spring Series. Wind speeds on the day were relatively light, as they were over the whole weekend. So, it required a great deal of skill to eke out as much of the potential from the available wind on the day.
The conditions favoured the Solos, Supernovas and Lasers, so it was no surprise that these crafts dominated the top four positions. Pete Jackson in his Supernova took the first race whilst Laser sailor Ian Clark won the second race. However, Gerry Burnham still leads the Series overall after successfully achieving one of the top three positions in both races.
On Sunday over 20 boats took part in Day 8 of the popular Sunday Spring Series. Competition among the veterans is fierce for this prestigious Series, but it also attracts a good many novices, as shown by the variety of boats out on the water.
Keith Lancaster and Martin Hudson took first and second places respectively in race 1 and 2; whilst Nigel and Megan McKenna won the last race of the day.
Reflecting the day's racing Keith Lancaster had these words of comfort for those who finished further down the table "A bad day sailing is 100 times better than a good day at work".
The long weekend ended with the Mayhem Pursuit on the Bank Holiday Monday. Although this year, given the lack of wind it was less of a mayhem and more of a calm and harmonious drift across the reservoir. Nevertheless, 11 boats took part in the 3 half pursuit races. Mike Harding sealed victory by winning the first two races.
Next weekend Hollowell Sailing Club throws open its doors to the general public and hosts its annual Open Day in conjunction with the RYA Push The Boat Out. Doors open at 11am on Saturday 12th May and anyone interested in giving sailing a go can try it for free. Activities will be going throughout the day, including a BBQ and club officials will on hand to answer any questions about membership.