2022 Hansa TT at Notts County Sailing Club

Libertys on the run during the Notts County Hansa TT © Graham Stamper

A fine morning and encouraging forecast set a cheerful tone as boats began arriving at Notts County for our 21st Hansa TT; 15 in total from all over the country.

The forecast was for a SSW 8 knots with occasional gusts up to 14 knots and for a change the forecast was about right.

Having set the windward mark and the corresponding marks of a trapezoid course Race Officer Dave Snutch quickly had to raise the AP as a 90-degree left shift meant a total reset of all four! And then it went back but back again before further resets were needed.

As a consequence race one got away around 25 minute later than scheduled.

303 one person start during the Notts County Hansa TT - photo © Graham Stamper

The Hansa fleet are very well behaved. They don't have black flags anyway but all races got away clean and we witnessed some impressive starts and one magnificent port end flyer.

At the top end of the leaderboard the sailors kept the race clerks on their toes with numerous changes of position. Whilst the wind did remain in a reasonably stable direction throughout, there were some significant shifts which allowed the more discerning helms to profit.

Prior to racing the fleet had agreed to a 3-2-1 sequence in preference to the usual 5-4-1 and with 3 fleets to start this was most appreciated by the race team as it certainly expedited the start sequence albeit extra concentration was required to manage the multiple flags and sound signals (24 separate action per start sequence). Dave's team of club commodore Martin Hart, Sue Barnes and Sarah Read managed it without error.

Morning races adhered pretty well to the 30-minute lead boat target but with time pressing in the afternoon a very obliging fleet were in favour of two shorter races. This allowed the full schedule of four to be completed.

Lindsay Burns from Frensham won the 2.3 single handed Class.

There were two 303 two person boats, on the water Ian Chearman and Richard Jillings, (Carsington) and Stephen Kitson and Jane Knight, (New Forest). They were extremely close swapping places in the last lap of the third race and finishing within a boat length.

Chichian Wu, winner of the 303 one person class in the Notts County Hansa TT - photo © Graham Stamper

In the 303s Chichian Wu (Taipei Sailing Association) and Rory Mckenna (Clyde Cruising Club) changing places with Mike Everitt (Frensham, last year's winner) and Leslie Philip (Tideway) not far and not always behind.

Also in this fleet were young newcomer Logan Bell, Rutland, Deb Pennington out for her second Notts County Hansa TT and Peter King who was largely responsible for the Club acquiring the Hansas, building up our links with the Hansa Association and who has a long and significant record of supporting Sailability.

Libertys at the mark during the Notts County Hansa TT - photo © Graham Stamper

The situation in the Liberty fleet was similar Simon Harle very close to his Rutland sailors; Paul Pearson, Pat Crowley and Chris Emmet in 1st,2nd and 3rd place respectively and Tessa Watkiss (Frensham) in close pursuit.

The somewhat strengthening wind and some interesting gusts gave everybody a good day's sail. Thanks to the Race Team are due as well.

The mood back in the clubhouse was buoyant, cheerful. All volunteers were thanked for their welcome, support and good company.

The best compliment we could have - they are looking forward to coming back next year.

Overall Results:

Team Rutland during the Notts County Hansa TT - photo © Graham Stamper