Notts County Sailing Club Regatta 2023

The annual Rooster Notts County Sailing Club Regatta is a popular event, mixing racing for all levels and a social along with children's activities.

The Regatta is open to visitors but the weather forecast of wind and thunderstorms unfortunately put many off from travelling, including the National 12 vintage entrants, however there where nearly 70 pre-entered but only about half raced in yet conditions which was almost certainly sensible. The Novice racing unfortunately had to be cancelled as a result.

A rain storm comes through at the Notts County SC Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

The Regatta started in fairly benign winds and sunshine during the briefing - it didn't last long. The first race saw 30 mph gusts, the second race over 34mph. White horses reigned and there was plenty of spectator entertainment in the conditions. Safety crew, some of whom volunteered when they saw the wind strength were kept busy.

Overall winner of the Commodore's Cup Sam Grayton in an ILCA 6 at the Notts County SC Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

Sam Grayton from Notts County had a string of firsts winning all the slow handicap races in a Laser, and lifting the overall Commodore's Cup. In the slow fleet Samantha Mason had a second, third and fourth, beating Chloe Grayton by only a couple of points. The youngsters all under 16 provided a textbook demonstration on how to sail in high winds, they all came in with big smiles having enjoyed the high speed sailing.

James Burton, Junior winner at the Notts County SC Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

In the Toppers James Burton win three races aRSnd finish on the windiest one of the day, a great result for someone who only completed their start racing course this Easter.

Jamie Mawson, Fast Fleet winner at the Notts County SC Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

Meanwhile, in the Fast Fleet, Jamie Mason in his RS600 won every race except the second race on Saturday (when a rare capsize put an end to his chances). He was closely followed by Chris Martin and John Tailby, then Jon & Nicola Willars and our first visitor, Malcolm James from Chew Valley, who all competed in Scorpions.

Third place Nicola and Jon Willars at speed during the Notts County SC Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

The windsurfers saw Gerry Ball win with two firsts and seconds, Ian Pilkington was next followed by Guy Spreckley.

In the evening the bar opened and members and guests enjoyed a hog roast followed by strawberries and cream. The band Transposition, with members from local sailing clubs, struck up and played some familiar songs which got many on the dance floor, or at least tapping their feet.

Transposition at the Notts County SC Regatta social - photo © David Eberlin

Sunday was a slightly calmer day and many more sailors went out to enjoy some good racing. The Rock and Bunting painting was very popular with the youngsters (and adults) demonstrating their creative skills. Well done to Stirling, Polly, William, Jake and Harry who all won a prize along with Adrian & Pen in the over 16s.

Calmer Sunday racing at the Notts County SC Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

At the prize-giving Martin Hart, the Commodore, thanked all who had taken part but especially the volunteer race and safety teams, and the volunteers who stepped in at the last minute to provide much needed additional safety cover, prizes from Rooster and the odd drinks prize were handed out to the winners.

Prizewinners at the Notts County SC Regatta - photo © David Eberlin

Overall Results: