Hansa UK Travellers Trophy at Rutland Sailability

by Marie Pears 2 Sep 06:35 BST 22 August 2026

There were a record 34 entries for this Hansa TT event on the 22nd August 2026 at Rutland. A one-day race event for sailors from Sailability Clubs around the country who travelled to take part from as far as Scotland and Chesil.

The day was fine with sunshine forecast for the day, but where was the wind? Forecast for the day was 9 miles per hour from the north west. That was going to be a challenge for those who prefer stronger conditions. There was enough wind to sail, but the direction was very changeable. It was not just about sailing, it was looking where the wind was, and steering towards the wind.

Classes

There were three classes of boat taking part. The Hansa Liberty, a single seater boat, the 303's single seater and the two-seater version with helm and crew. All classes have a deep cockpit, heavy centre board but otherwise sail as a normal sail boat.

The Course

The course was set as a 'sausage' comprising a beat, a run then a final leg, an extended reach and a run through to the finish gate. There were three starts, one for each of the boat classes with. Starts were three minutes. The plan was for four races, two in the morning, followed by a further two in the afternoon.

The Liberty class enjoyed a competitive ding dong for position with positions changing during the four races. Ultimately David Durston (Whitefriars) came out the winner with Mike Everett (Frensham) and Allan Wall (Rutland) picking up the second and third slot. Allan did well, because he was coming to the TT as a relatively new comer.

303 singles were dominated by Rory McKinna (Clyde Cruising Club) who had travelled down from Scotland to take part. Sophie Brisley (Whitefriars) was hot in pursuit of Rory but achieved a good second place, followed by Leslie Philip (Tideway).

303 two-seaters enjoyed some close sailing with the "Swans" Lynne and Stuart taking first place, and Jazz Turner/Jane Thomphson bringing up a close second followed by Philip Hall/Deedee Bryant taking the third place.

New Talent

Interestingly there was a good showing of youth sailors who had come through the youth section of clubs and graduated to enter this kind of competition. These young people are very welcome of course as they will in time be the backbone of future events so well done to you all.

Prize Giving

The day was rounded off with a prize-giving. At the end Steve Sawford was given an impact award from the RYA to recognise his contributions to the Hansa Class UK over many years.

The season continues with the Europeans in Barcelona, and the final two Traveller Trophy events at Papercourt and Frensham.

Overall Results: (top three)

Liberty class
1st - David Durston (Whitefriars)
2nd - Mike Everett (Frensham)
3rd - Allan Wall (Rutland)

303 single person
1st - Rory McKinna (Clyde Cruising Club)
2nd - Sophie Brisley (Whitefriars)
3rd - Leslie Philip (Tideway Sailability)

303 two person
1st - Lynne Swan, Stewart Swan (Frensham Pond)
2nd - Jazz Turner, Jane Thompson (Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club)
3rd - Phil Hall, Dee Dee Hall (Chesil Sailability)