Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series 2026 at Winsford Flash Sailing Club

It's a Tuesday thing - Border Counties Midweek Series at Winsford Flash © Brian Herring

Winsford Flash Sailing Club held the last event of the Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series on Tuesday 6th October. We were met with light winds blowing from the south to south west. The hill and clubhouse made a very good windbreak.

Our race team headed by the fabulous Jon Close did his briefing at 10.30 for an 11am start. The fleet headed out the North West end of the flash to be greeted by the AP signal. The wind was light but the race team did manage to get us off slightly later than 11am.

Let's go - Border Counties Midweek Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Brian Herring

A clean start by the fleet for race 1and we headed slowly to the 1st mark a gaggle of boats all rounded and headed off on a tight reach. The fleet didn't really separate and the wind didn't pick up but we managed 2 laps with the win being taken Dave Turtle in his Comet followed by Pete Chambers pushing Darren Nield into 3rd seems like it was Comet weather.

We headed in for dinner and watched in anticipation to see what the wind gods would do. Jon Close sent us out for the 2nd and 3rd race back to back and again under AP we waited. But not for long as we managed a start. Again the fleet made its way to the windward mark no side was really favoured it was about keeping the boat moving and staying in what little pressure there was.

New Zenith spotted - Border Counties Midweek Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Brian Herring

We all managed to get back up the flash and the race committee shortened the race after 1 lap. There was a breakaway by 2 boats and the Solo of Darren Nield won on the water and on corrected time pushing the Comets down to 2nd and 3rd The battle for the other places was in full swing with Pete Chambers finding a gap that Dave Turtle and Bill Webber left and managed to get across the line in front. That was enough for 3rd place overall, 2nd went to Dave Turtle and the winner was the Solo of Darren Nield.

Race 3 was cancelled by the race officer due to the total lack of any wind.

Despite the lack of good wind the sailors all enjoyed the hospitality of Winsford SC with some lovely warm sunny weather.

1st place, Darren Nield, in the lead - Border Counties Midweek Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Brian Herring

As always a big THANK YOU to all the clubs and their team for putting on these events as without you we would probably have to go to work or mow the lawn.

So why not come and join our friendly Tuesday club? It's better than being at work!

If you want any information about the series then see our website. All 2027 dates are now there, under Venues: bordercountiesmidweeksailing.wordpress.com

Series leader, Pete Coop - Border Counties Midweek Series at Winsford Flash - photo © Brian Herring

Overall Results:

1st double hander - Pete Thoms and Dawn Frost
1st junior - Thomas Walker
Endeavour prize - Sophie Walker