Hansa National TT Series at Northampton Sailability

Chris Dabbs and Oakley - Hansa National TT Series at Northampton © Andy Hempkin

The previous attempt to run the Northampton round of the 2022 Hansa National TT Series had to be postponed in July due to the fierce temperatures and Sargasso Sea conditions. So, it was great to see a mixed fleet of 22 boats out on the water at last. Although the conditions still weren't ideal with some crazy wind shifts and the notorious 2pm Pitsford lull to contend with.

Pete Conway, the TT coach had this to say: "The quality of racing has improved over the year, and there was good racing in the tricky conditions. Now we need to see people being more ruthless at the starts!"

Hansa National TT Series at Northampton - photo © Andy Hempkin

In the six-strong fleet of Libertys Tessa Watkiss from Frensham was completely in the 'pressure zone' in the first race as she sailed off into the distance followed by Championship rivals, David Durston (Whitefriars) and Paul Pearson (Rutland). Whoever came out top between David and Paul would scoop the Liberty class and it came down to the last race, which David needed to win to claim the cup before the last round at Frensham.

"I took two other racers on the last reach, then Mr Phillips opened the door and I went through it. Happy days!" said Champion-elect David.

There were four boats from Northampton competing in the double-handed 303s, but they were left squabbling for the minor places as Philip Hall and Tom Hepburn from Chesil made it a clean sweep of victories, ahead of Charlotte Jones and David Nichol from Whitefriars who managed a full-house of deuces. Roy Child and Priscilla Davies from Northampton came in third overall.

Charlotte Jones and David Nichol - Hansa National TT Series at Northampton - photo © Andy Hempkin

"Even though our starts weren't always the best we were able to pick off the other boats one-by-one," said Tom.

"Tom got the sails set just right." added helm Philip.

In the Single-handed 303s, two Frensham sailors, Mike Everitt and James Woosnam vied with each other for top spot, but it was Mike who triumphed in every race with Hannah Nicoll from Whitefriars finishing third in class.

"I hunted Mike down in several races, but he seemed to get me in the end each time," said James ruefully.

For his part Mike never relaxed as it was never certain in his mind. He said, "I thought I wasn't going to win the last race, but I jumped off the line and managed to get to the windward mark first and waited for the Libs to overtake me."

Finally, Lindsay Burn swept the board in the 2.3s, ahead of Andrew Lebec and Lara Sturgis and we'll leave the last words to her: "What a fab day of good racing, smiles all round and great catering. Sorry we couldn't finish all of your cakes Mr Hulands!"

Philip Hall and Tom Hepburn - Hansa National TT Series at Northampton - photo © Andy Hempkin

Overall Results:

Hansa National TT Series at Northampton - photo © Andy Hempkin