Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club: winter pursuit race

Photo: Graham Knox

Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

On Sunday 20 November, racing at the lake began with a winter pursuit race. There was a good mix of boats turning out with junior sailors impressing with their skills.

The weather was kind to begin the day, with sunshine and a light westerly wind, defying the forecast rain. It looked as if Millie Hayfield and Lauren Marsh, in a RS Feva would hold the lead, but they were pipped to the finish by Tom Sanders-Daniel in his Laser.

However, Jess Marsh and Annabel Hayfield, in Toppers, held off the challenge of Richard Marsh, with Adam Din, in the fastest boat out (RS400). Colin Knott and Richard Long were out in a GP14 taking third place.

Conditions changed for the usual points races that followed. After the start a black cloud appeared and the wind died away. This led to a number of boats retiring from the race.

As the racers kept going the wind filled in strongly from the north, with the rain coming too. The master of these conditions, Martin Brennan won in his Solo. Tom Daniel took second place with the RS400, now helmed by Adam Din, with Richard Marsh as crew, third.

There were fewer boats out for the second race which was again won by Martin Brennan, overall best day’s results, with Tom Daniel runner-up and Les Burns (Laser) third, in the shortened race as the daylight faded.