2021 Hansa TT at Notts County Sailing Club

Liberty fleet close racing with David Durston leading during the Notts County Hansa TT © David Eberlin

Cutting the 20th Anniversery cake during the Notts County Hansa TT © David Eberlin

Debera Pennington enjoying getting back into sailing during the Notts County Hansa TT © David Eberlin

The Hansa TT series runs round the country and provides competition for sailors of all abilities. The semi keel boats lean over, but vary rarely capsize due to the heavy dagger-plate. When sailing you are seated and steer with a stick in most cases. They are suitable for wheelchair users, and allow many a wonderful sense of freedom on the water, its no wonder they are a popular Sailability boat.

The event was Notts County's twentieth year with a Hansa, we purchased our first boat in 2001 with help from many people, and have held an open virtually every year since, and hosted the nationals in 2018. The 20th anniversary was a good excuse for a celebration cake baked by Karen Ferrar, with decoration by daughter Claire, thanks to both and all the other cake contributors. The club volunteers led by Anne Clark pulled out all the stops as usual to provide a seamless day for the visitors.

Due to Covid entries were limited, but the fleet of 11 boats travelled from all over the country including Frensham Pond (Surrey) Clyde Cruising Club, Whitefriars (Swindon) and Rutland. The Hansa sailors always enjoy the atmosphere at Notts County Sailing Club, and of course our caterer Pauline's food.

Whilst the atmosphere is very friendly and supportive off the water the racing is still keen and close, especially in the light to moderate breeze. There was little to separate the first three 303 sailors and the lead swapped regularly in each race depending often on who judged the shifts correctly. In the end Mike Everitet from Frensham won by a couple of points, with Rory McKinna second and James Woosman third. Mention should also be made of Debra Pennington (Notts County) entering her first open for many years due to her knees, and enjoying completing three races for the first time, she has also been a tireless volunteer at the club getting young children on the water so its wonderful to see her enjoying sailing again.

Mike Everitet leading the 303s during the Notts County Hansa TT - photo © David Eberlin

The largest fleet was the Liberty class with six boats, one point separated the first two sailors, and at every mark it seemed close. David Durston (Whitefriars) and Chris Emmet (Rutland) were swapping the lead regularly, with David just winning. Close behind was Paul Pearson of Rutland.

Lindsay Burns from Frensham won the 2.3 single handed class.

Startline during the Notts County Hansa TT - photo © David Eberlin

After three back to back races in light to moderate winds and sunshine everyone was happy to get ashore and shelter outside under the marque on the balcony. Once everyone was packed away prize-giving took place, and the 20th Anniversary cake was cut and distributed.

More photos on ncsc.org.uk/2021/06/10/hansa-20th-anniversary-meeting

Overall Results:

2.3 winner Lindsay Burns during the Notts County Hansa TT - photo © David Eberlin