Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Shotwick Lake

A quality fleet including past, current and, undoubtedly, future champions assembled at Shotwick Lake for the fifth instalment of the Border Counties Midweek Sailing series. The August event was originally planned to be hosted by Redesmere Sailing club but was hastily rescheduled due to an abundance of weed on the mere.

There was a fantastic entry of twenty-nine boats comprising fifteen different classes ranging from the Tera Sport (PY1445) to Lark (PY1073) which were all easily accommodated by the use of average lap times. It was great to be joined by eight junior sailors with several of the Tera contingent recently returned from their World Championships in Denmark.

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Shotwick Lake - That's a close one! - photo © Brian Herring

A moderate southerly breeze blowing across the lake accompanied by some strong gusts to keep competitors alert at all times. Unfortunately, there were two boats that suffered damage and had to retire for the day; a Comet lost its mast in the first race and a Solo broke its boom in the second.

The race team set an excellent course that provided competitive sailing for everybody and the start-lines were perfect which was particularly important with the large fleet and short beats necessitated by the wind direction. Racing was keen throughout the fleet with plenty of place changes as fortunes changed in the challenging conditions.

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Shotwick Lake - Starboard approach - photo © Brian Herring

The competition was wide open with the final results only being decided after the all -important third race. Race timings showed that many positions, after adjusting for handicaps, were separated by only seconds so every tack or buoy rounding could make a difference! No single person or class dominated the event with only two points separating the top three boats.

The overall winner (not for the first time) was Pete Coop from Winsford Flash sailing a Streaker recovering from a shaky start in the first race to win the last two races.

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Shotwick Lake - Approaching the windward mark - photo © Brian Herring

Second place overall went to Paul Newman of the home club, also in a Streaker, who sailed a brilliant first race winning by a considerable margin. This, together with a second place in the final race left him just one point off the leader.

The final podium position was claimed by Ted Garner from Budworth in his Solo who sailed consistently well counting two second places, finishing third overall.

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Shotwick Lake - A quiet patch! - photo © Brian Herring

In the Border Counties series there is always a prize for the first double-hander and this was won by Peter Thoms and Dawn Frost from Nantwich in a GP14 just two points ahead of Olly Saunders and Millie (her first ever Open event!) from Shustoke in a Lark. A special mention also to the 420 of Jessica and Nayth from Winsford/Budworth who sailed exceptionally well to master a trapeze boat in such gusty conditions on a small lake.

Showing the juniors the way home, and giving some of the older sailors a run for their money, was Harry in a Tera Pro closely followed by Thomas and Sophie, both in Toppers.

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Shotwick Lake - Downwind - photo © Brian Herring

A great day on the water was rounded off by prize-giving, this time inside the clubhouse due to the typical Welsh rain that arrived just as the boats were being de-rigged! Thanks go to Shotwick Lake Sailing for hosting the event at short notice and for making it such a success, especially the Race, Safety and Galley teams and all the members who had given up their time to help.

With just two events remaining this season, the positions at the top of table are very close with the Streakers of Pete and Paul leading the way followed by Dave in his Comet and Eric in a Supernova.

Our next and penultimate event is on Tuesday 3rd September at Budworth Sailing Club. Check the website below for further information

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Website: bordercountiesmidweeksailing.wordpress.com

Overall Results: