Hansa Class National TT Series Round 3 at Northampton Sailability

Close racing in the Libertys duing the Hansa class National TT at Northampton © Robert McIntyre

Alastair Carr during the Hansa class National TT at Northampton © Robert McIntyre

Hansa class National TT at Northampton © Robert McIntyre

Flat 'mill pond' yet sunny conditions welcomed the 20 entrants for the Hansa TT at Northampton Sailability on 19th May.

Whilst winds remained very light throughout the day, the enthusiasm of the entrants and quick course changes to follow the fickle breezes by the race officers allowed a full programme of 4 races to be held.

Thanks are due to all the Northampton Sailability Volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the day a success despite the very light winds.

In the Hansa 2.3 class Alastair Carr in '954' from Rutland Sailability led in the way in drifting conditions to secure four wins and overall first. Harry Kennington took second place.

In the Hansa 303 two person class, Natalie and Alan Hillman from New Forest in their "2294" mastered the drifiting conditions to achieve four wins and overall first. Steve Kitson also from New Forest gained two 2nds and two thirds to secure the overall second place. Phillip Hall and David Ankers from Chesil worked the difficult conditions gaining two 2nd and two 4th for third overall.The first and only showing from the host club was Sam Ravenscroft and Henry Shaw achieving a commendable 5th,5th, 3rd and 4th to secure 4th place overall.

There were three entries in the Hansa 303 one person class. Jessica Campbell all the way from South West Scotland mastered the fickle winds and took overall first with three 1st and one 2nd. Mike Everett from Frensham Pond found just enough breeze to secure overall second with Katie Apse, also from Frensham Pond, gaining a well sailed overall third spot.

Nine boats entered the racing in the Liberty class. It was a close run series for 1st and 2nd with Paul Phillips from Frensham Pond getting the best out of the tricky conditions to take overall first with two 1st, one 2nd and a discardable 6th place for 4 nett points. Tessa Watkins, also from Frensham pond was very close throughout and negotiated the breeze and doldrums to pip into overall second with two 1st, one 3rd and a discardable 4th for 5 nett points. Pat Crowley from Rutland picked his way through the zephers when they came to gain overall third.

A busy pontoon during the Hansa class National TT at Northampton - photo © Robert McIntyre

Overall Results: