Notts County Cooler 2019

Windsurfer start during the Notts County Cooler 2019 © David Eberlin

The first event in an East Midlands mini series took place at Notts County Sailing Club over the weekend of 9th/10th February. With forty entries, the series is showing signs of growing even further, especially with Ogston SC joining in with Staunton and Notts County. There were thirty-six dinghies and four windsurfers, three of whom were juniors.

Saturday was to put it mildly windy, as storm Eric made its presence known as the wind hit force 8 on the club wind speed indicator. After a delay of an hour a second skipper meeting was called and the general consensus was to postpone till Sunday, it was boat breaking weather, and no one wanted broken gear at the start of the season.

Rounding the leeward mark during the Notts County Cooler 2019 - photo © David Eberlin

Sunday dawned cooler but with light winds, though a little shifty, racing was soon under way. Race Officer Ross Ryan decided to try and get the five race event in on a single day, so courses and races were relatively short. Three races were held back to back, before a lunch break and two races afterwards.

The handicap racing meant there were a variety of different race winners, though Grahame Newton and Rach Rhodes in a Scorpion were always near the front, and took the overall County Cooler trophy, winning the first and third race.

Grahame Newton & Rach Rhodes win the Notts County Cooler 2019 - photo © David Eberlin

The second race saw Girton's Alan Bishop win in a Solo, the forth race had an interesting squall and short rain shower and saw Craig Williamson from Staunton win in an Aero and the final race saw Notts County's Jamie Mawson win on a RS600. However as often happens consistency was key so Marton Honor from Ogston took second overall in a Solo.

Martin Honor finishes 2nd in the Notts County Cooler 2019 - photo © David Eberlin

The Junior fleet saw Sam Grayson from Notts County finish half way up the results to win. The Techno windsurfers saw Duncan Monaghan take first place from Mollie Sprekley, Guy Sprekley winning the Raceboards.

The next event is the Ogston Woolley jumper on 23/24th February, visitors from other clubs very welcome. The final event is at Staunton on 2/3rd March with their new changing rooms ready for a christening (as the Staunton Commodore kept reminding us!).

More photos on ncsc.org.uk/2019/02/09/county-cooler

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the NO CLASS nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here

Prize winners in the Notts County Cooler 2019 - photo © David Eberlin