This is a new event on the calendar so it was very nice to go to a new venue
and to be in at the start and to explore, what is for us Weaver members, some
new water.
The setting of Hollingworth lake is very picturesque with the rolling hills
of the Penines as a backdrop and the view from the clubhouse is fantastic.
The team from our club was John Ainsworth, Brian Hardy crewed by his Younger
brother (sorry Brian I forgot his name ) and myself capsize Ken.
We were warmly greeted by the Hollingworth Lake SC and everyone was very friendly
and made us feel at home. The clubhouse is very nice with a first class view
of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
As this was the first running of the event there was a limit on the number
of entries and it was intended to run slow, medium and fast handicaps but
on the day with only twenty entries it was decided to have a mass start and
run all classes together. With yachts ranging from Merlin Rockets to RS 400s
to three very well sailed Mirrors the starts were hetic.
We had three races with a short break in between each race. In the morning
there was a light breeze but this increased and became very gusty as the day
progressed. We were told that this was the first time this year that the wind
was from the east and it seemed to roll down the hills and funnel through
a fold in the hills producing a quite hectic strip of wind diagonally across
the lake with a calmer bit each side. This made the racing very hard work,
and very exciting at the same time with John going over twice and myself once.
After the racing we had tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes courtesy of the
sponsors and the club.
The prize giving followed and the overall winner received a beautiful glass
trophy depicting coloured sails reflecting through the base.
The overall winner was Guy Winder and Elena Brenmer in a Merlin Rocket. John
Ainsworth finished third in class with myself sixth and Brian Hardy and brother
seventh .Weaver SC had a special mention as the best supporting club and other
clubs represented at the event were Liegh & Lowton, Elton, Winsford Flash
and West Kirby.
This was a very enjoyable and a very nice days sailing and our thanks must
go out to the sponsors and to Hollinworth Lake SC for running such a good
event.
Ken Moran.