Hansa Class National TT Series Round 7 at Carsington Sailing Club

Hansa TT at Carsingtonton © Keith Stubbs

Hansa TT at Carsingtonton © Keith Stubbs

Hansa TT at Carsingtonton © Keith Stubbs

Gates opened at 08.30am with boats arriving soon after. Sixteen boats registered for our event. The sun was shining with a clear sky but not a breath of wind! Well we could not do much about the wind other than study the weather predictions for the day. So the race team got busy hatching a plan to get the best out of the day with a final result if at all possible.

The AP flag was hoisted announcing a postponement and competitors settled down to a good old social chat waiting for the wind to arrive early in the afternoon. The galley did a splendid job keeping everyone well fed and watered as competitors waited patiently for the start of racing.

The Race Officer was heard to say that by 1pm we would have enough breeze to start the race program with the possibility of getting at least one and maybe two races in back to back. So with much optimism, the breeze building and having enjoyed a good lunch from the galley, competitors assembled for the pre-race briefing before making final preparations for the launch.

With boats rigged and launched, the hoisting teams working overtime, boats made the start line in good time for the first race of the day. All four fleets were represented amongst which Carsington had four boats taking part for the second year running.

The first race was sailed in a very light breeze under a clear sky and hot sunshine but despite the conditions the race was closely fought in good spirits as usual. With the first race completed which would give us an overall result for the competition, the race team made preparations for a second start, our optimism had worked! and racing resumed in earnest.

Although competitors again faced light wind conditions, the second race of the day was completed before it was time to return to shore.

With the race program completed and two results under our belt, boats were packed away competitors returned to the clubhouse to review the final results and discus the day's events over drinks and the usual Carsington cakes provided by the galley.

Prizes were presented by John Blake Carsington Sailability Chairman to:

• Liberty Class: 1st Chris Emmet
• 303 Class One Person: 1st James Woosnam, 2nd Rory McKinna, 3rd Mike Everitt.
• 303 Class Two Person: 1st Steve Kitson/Bob Stanyard, 2nd Mandy and Gary Flint, 3rd Mark Gundry/Helen Fitch
• 2.3 Class: 1st Lindsay Burns, 2nd Allester Carr, 3rd Bryn Ramsell
• Derek Lee Trophy - for the "Most Improved Carsington Sailor" awarded to Helen Fitch
• Bakewell Rotory Club Challenge Shield – for the "Best Effort on the Day" awarded to Mark Gundry
• Duke of Devonshire Cup – for the Best Carsington Sailor awarded to Mandy Flint
• A special prize for Extraordinary Efforts Every Day was awarded to: Helen Fitch

Thanks also to Sandra and Debs for excellent galley service once again. A special mention for our young Race Officer Team Euan and Amy Cook supervised by Grandad and Granma Applyby, Good job guys.