Craftinsure Supernova Travellers Series Open at Bolton Sailing Club
by David Bartholomew 13 May 2025 06:57 BST
26 April 2025
Bolton Sailing Club has a very active Supernova Fleet and, as usual the Craftinsure Travellers event on 26th April, did not disappoint with great competition at every level.
While the south westerly wind was a little lighter than would have been preferred, the 19 strong fleet made up of 15 home boats and 4 visitors were able to enjoy a great days sailing.
Race 1
A clean start with a long first beat saw an initial spreading of the fleet. Alex Reeve took an early lead getting ahead of Bolton's Andy Flitcroft and Mike Critchley to be first around the mark. Increasing his lead on the downwind leg Reeve kept the lead that he would sustain for the race. Close competition at the front of the fleet continued with Platt, Bamford and Young all maintaining the pressure.
In the middle of the fleet Moodie, Higson and Aubrey were battling it out and unusually Bolton's Tony Critchley, having had a poor first lap, unable to catch the lead boats. On the final lap, and in clean wind, Reeve was able to keep the lead that had been his throughout the race closely followed by Flitcroft and Mike Critchley.
Race 2
Following the traditional Bolton pie and peas lunch the fleet were back out in marginally lighter winds. There was initial drama at the first mark when Platt capsized on his approach taking him from the leading pack to the rear of the fleet and causing an obstacle for the remainder of the fleet on their approach. As the fleet spread out it was again it was Mike Critchley who took the lead with Flitcroft and Reeve close by. Having rounded the bottom mark Young and Tony Critchley, started to regain positions passing Bleasdale, Bartholomew and Higson. At the rear of the fleet, Bolton's new supernova sailors Brown, Reynolds and Waddington were having their own battle with the slightly more experienced Brown in his new boat taking and keeping the lead.
At the finish Bolton's Mike Critchley was able to keep the lead, closely followed by Flitcroft and Reeve in third place.
Race 3
With a win and a third place for Reeve and Mike Critchley and two seconds for Flitcroft there was a great deal riding on the last race.
The Race Officer set a simple course again using the full length of the lake meaning an excellent upwind leg around the island and the shifting wind. This race it was to be Young's turn to get ahead as lead boat causing disruption to the three front runners. Closely followed by Tony Critchley, Higson, Aubrey and Platt, who was fighting back following the disappointment of the second race. Bleasedale and Bartholomew were again battling it out in the middle of the fleet though tacking on the wrong shift Bartholomew allowed Bleasdale through who took also passing
Moodie.
On the final lap Young kept the lead finishing first followed by Flitcroft, Reeve and Mike Critchley being pushed into fourth place, costing him the competition.
With first, second and third places all being on 4 points, it came down to count back with Reeve's third place position in the final race putting him in first place followed by Mike Critchley and Flitcroft.
The Supernova Class Association thank Bolton for hosting the event and to everyone who took part.