2021 Hansa TT at Whitefriars Sailing Club
by David Durston 2 May 2021 06:33 BST
24 April 2021
Finally, for the first time in over 19 months the Hansa Class UK have been able to run a Traveller Trophy Event on 24th April. It wasn't quite the scale or format of old, but everybody agreed that it was fantastic to be able to take part in competitive racing again and to see old friends; albeit in a more socially distanced way than historically.
Whitefriars Sailing Club was the venue. The entry was capped at 15 boats to limit the number of people on site, and people were encouraged to use Hansa or Whitefriars' boats rather than travelling with their own. There was a skeleton team of volunteers on hand to help with rigging, launching, and hoisting. Since indoor space is not being used at present, the schedule was shortened so that people weren't outside for too long. Three back to back races were run of approximately 30-40 minutes long instead of the typical 4 races with a break for lunch, this also helped to minimize the pinch points. Unfortunately there was no catering, so the volunteers and sailors had to operate without the obligatory bacon butty, we will make amends.
A "Fun Regatta" was arranged for the day before. The purpose of this was to introduce novice sailors, or people new to racing, to get into a Hansa and enjoy the experience in a safe, non-threatening, fun environment. Hansa's aren't just for people with a disability, so club members and volunteers were invited to have a go. Because there is no fear of capsizing, these novices could focus on enjoying the fun of competition and banter. Some of our sailors are dependent on others in the boat with them, but because of distancing cannot sail with volunteers, however by introducing their partners, parents, or carers to sailing, they were once again able to take to the water.
Back to the main event, and old rivalries were reignited. In the 303 one person fleet the honours were fiercely contested between Rory McKinna and Mike Everitt, with them taking 1st and 2nd places in all 3 races, but Mike came out on top with two bullets. Consistently 3rd, James Woosnam took the last podium place with nett 6 points. There were 9 boats in the fleet with a promising newcomer, Hannah Nicholl, coming 5th. Of the 4 Libertys, David Durston managed to overcome several nip and tuck maneuvers with Paul Phillips and Tess Watkiss to win all 3 races. Paul took 2nd and Tess 3rd with a point between them. At the age of 83 Mike Durston got back onto the water, it's only a matter of time before he familiarizes himself with the boat and sparks more competition. Unfortunately there was only one two-person entry, but no matter; father and daughter team, Alan and Natalia Hillman just loved being back on the water together after a far too long hiatus. They took away the perpetual trophy that they had brought along to the event after the last time it was contested in 2018.
The weather was very kind to us for both days, and we hope that this continues for Hansa's other planned events. Hopefully as restrictions lift, the schedule and facilities will be able to become more normal. The next event will be at New Forest on 5th May.
Overall Results:
Liberty Class
1st David Durston (Whitefriars)
2nd Paul Philips (Frensham)
3rd Tessa Watkiss (Frensham)
4th Michael Durston (Frensham)
Hansa 303 one person Class
1st Mike Everitt (Frensham)
2nd Rory McKinna (CCC Bardowie)
3rd James Woosnam (Frensham)
4th George Paxford (Whitefriars)
5th Hannah Nicholl (Bristol)
6th David Nicholl (Bristol)
7th Floss Campion (Whitefriars)
8th Philip Hall (Chesil)
9th Stephen Kitson (New Forest)
303 two person Class
1st Alan/Natalie Hillman (New Forest)