Sailing

Published at 11:11, Thursday, 26 April 2012

RACES for both championship long series as well as a pennant race were laid on for competitors on Bassenthwaite Lake last weekend.

The wind on Saturday was reasonably light, if a little gusty, and Mark Somerville (Carlisle) capsized during race one whilst leading the Handicap Fleet.

But he rapidly righted his Vareo to finish ahead of the similar boat of Robin Dawson (Cockermouth). In the GP14 Class, a close contest took place with Dave and Lynn Lawson (St Bees) winning from Andy Smith (Brigham)/Mike Cowan (Crosby).

The Mirror Class was won by Alan Waugh (Westnewton) and the Topper fleet by Ethan Dawson (Cockermouth) from Harry Binns (Bassenthwaite Village).

Race two in the Handicap Fleet went to Steve Hunt (St Helens)/Ruth Critchley (Chorley) in their Merlin Rocket with the RS 200 of Phil and Naomi Smith (Darlington) a close second.

In the GP14 Class, it was Tim Knowles (Brigham)/Martin Statter (Lamplugh) who followed the Lawsons home. Mik Chappell (Wigton) was the first Mirror across the finishing line.

Sunday morning had even lighter wind. Alex Leonard (Sheffield)/Olivia Storey (Cockermouth) were an excellent first in the Handicap Fleet in their RS200 and, after four rounds, they now lead the Barf Trophy series. Hunt/Critchley finished in second position.

Three Flying Fifteens took to the water and, in the morning race, Mike Moore (Preston)/Michaela Sheard (Little Broughton) took the win from Tim Chittenden/Sam Hall (both Dean).

In the GP14 class, Mike Fairlamb’s regular crew was unavailable and he teamed up with Lynn Lawson whilst husband Dave crewed for Alan Jones (Lorton), the latter pair taking a deserved win. Waugh took a further win in the Mirror class.

The highlight of the weekend’s racing was due to be the Calvert Trust Pennant sailed on each helm’s personal handicap and around the Lake.

But, over lunch, the wind dropped becalming those who were out on the Lake pleasure sailing. Many crews packed their boats away only to find the wind had filled in again.

The race was signalled but the course was set at the Northern end relatively close to the Club. Of the six boats which made the start, it was Jones with Sue Watson (Whitehaven) as his crew in the GP14 who went on to win.

There were three lady crews contesting the first of seven rounds for the Sandra’s Salver award and Watson takes an early lead in this competition from Critchley and Sheard.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk