Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

Photo: Graham Knox

Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club is used to hosting Open events for its main classes, but this year had to be different. So, on Sunday 18 July, an Open Handicap series was held, with a separately scored GP14 element, as part of a Northern Bell Series.

The event attracted visitors from places as far as Bassenthwaite, Nantwich, Burwain and York.

In the very testing light wind conditions, the racing was surprisingly close with three different race winners. It certainly stretched the Race Officer, Commodore Stuart Bates, who had to move racing marks around to give satisfactory courses.

Adam McGovern and Ellie Davies (GP14) were always going to be strong contenders and took the first win, with John Telford and son, Jack (GP14), runners up.

After a lunch break, the wind had settled to the north west and this time Martin Brennan (Solo) found the best route to win on handicap, with the faster RS400 of Richard and Heather Marsh in second place.

The third race was won by Sam Watson (GP14 Champion 2019) and Matt Birks who finally found form. Having a consistent day, the Telfords came in second place, with Adam McGovern and Ellie Davies in third place.

Overall, Adam McGovern was tied with the Telfords, but the first race win gave him victory.

There was also a tie for third place and a race win by Martin Brennan gave him the advantage over the Marshs.