Lightning 368 Northern Championship 2026 at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club
by Caroline Hollier 14 Aug 12:52 BST
8-9 August 2026
Lightning 368 Northern Championship at Bassenthwaite © Adrian Hollier Photography
Our latest event of the Sanders Sails Traveller series took us to a new venue, Caroline Hollier's new club at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, on the final weekend of the Bass Sailing Week (8 and 9 August). Unfortunately Allison and Spencer had to travel back home earlier in the week, so there were only four of us taking part.
We combined all our races starting with the slow handicap fleet. For race one, following a general recall of the fast fleet, then a small postponement until the wind settled the winds were lighter, but very shifty. Caroline took an early lead to the windward mark, closely followed by Jason Gallagher and Andrew McLeish. Although Caroline maintained her lead for the whole race, Jason and Andrew were making every tactical decision count, with Andrew finishing 2nd, Jason 3rd and Stephen Hodgson coming in 4th.
After lunch, the wind had dialled up for the second start. Jason lead to the windward mark, then on the way down the reach, which was very very fast, Caroline caught up Jason. The wind then died down and got very shifty around mark 5, which turned into a beat and Andy managed to sail through to take the lead, never to be caught again. Andy is definitely getting the hand of his new Mark 3.
Meanwhile under the shadow of Salefell, the wind was coming from every direction possible. Jason went to the middle, but Caroline stayed close to the bank and slowly crept past Jason, with Steve close on our heels. We were all grateful when the shorten course was signalled. Andy took the win, Caroline second, Jason third. Steve took an early bath and rolled in 4th.
After another break, this is of course Bass Week. Jason and Steve decided to call it a day, leaving Andy and Caroline to battle it out for race 3. The slow handicap fleet was also getting smaller. Although the wind had abated, it was still tough going. Andy took the lead, followed by Caroline, after a near capsize. He took the race win. So with a 2nd and 2 1sts for Andy and a 1st and two 2nds for Caroline it was still all to play for in the final race tomorrow.
After the 80's themed party Saturday night, Sunday morning we were met with grey and drizzly conditions. The rain had stopped by the time we all launched. Following the Bates (committee start boat) to the other side of the lake, there was a 30 minute postponement until the wind finally sort of settled. Most of the fleet opted for the pin end of the line, but Caroline opted to stay at the committee end. There were no other boats (clear air right?).
Turned out to be a port tack tight reach/fetch to the windward mark. Andy rounded first, followed by Caroline, Jason and Steve. Somewhere along the reach, Caroline passed Andy to take the lead. This was a much closer race, which much chopping and changing of positions.
On the second lap, whilst leading, Caroline binned it on the gybe mark, allowing all to pass. Jason also did a quick dip of the lake, but maintained second position. Caroline manage to catch up Steve on the final beat, but a wind shift in Steve's favour at the final windward mark saw Steve beat Caroline to the line by half a bows length.
So with 3 bullets, Andy McLeish is our Lightning 368 Northern Champion, Caroline Hollier second with 5 points, Jason Gallagher 3rd with 8 points and Stephen Hodgson 4th with 11 points.
It was a shame that there were not more entries. Bassenthwaite is a great place to sail. Even if we do not hold a further event there, it would be great to see more Lightnings take part in Bass Week next year. On site camping, catering and food wagons, evening entertainment, what more could you ask for. You can sail as little or as much as you like. A great family holiday and base to explore the Lake District.
Our next event in the Sanders Sails Travellers series takes the fleet back to Oxford Sailing club on Saturday 22 August, followed by the Class National Championships at The Chase Sailing club over the weekend of 26/27 September.