Event 2
Venue: Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale
Date: 29th April 07

Team Astbury – masters of the light winds

Arriving at the lake most people, out for a sail, would probably not even bother rigging – the very light winds were not an encouraging sight. But with 4mph winds forecast and a good turn out of 34 sailors from 5 teams it was “game on” for some Team 15 competition.

A morning of frustrations

Starting soon after 11am it took about 2 hours just to complete 3 races in all fleets, what with mega wind shifts, false starts it was a very frustrating morning. Cameron Stewart (15) sailing for Team Astbury demonstrated that the conditions could be mastered as he powered his way to record 3 bullets. Aided by a traditional Raceboard Cameron demonstrated the fine art of pumping to lead home the rest of the fleets. For some of the sailors in the 3.5m and 4.5m fleets just getting over the start line was to be a challenge. In all of the races their efforts were rewarded by using a “grand prix” finish, recording positions on the circuit rather than the traditional (and soul destroying DNF).

Diversionary tactics

The lunch break was welcomed by all as the wind died away completely. At least we had completed 3 races and we had “an event”. After lunch we had the usual ‘photo call. As for activity on the water; it was intended that we should try to get in one more race so giving everyone a discard – this was not to happen as the wind failed to fill. As a diversion everyone was set the task of tying their board to another so making a chain. Whilst we would not be breaking any records for a chain (we have had 50+ boards at a National event some years ago) we might be able to set a record for a Team 15 Event!! With such light winds the chain of boards and sailors had to be towed out into deeper water complete a circle – a spectacular sight for everyone. Just to add to the fun everyone dropped their rigs and swam across the circle to another board. We had some strange sites as some sailors ended up with booms above their heads whilst some very tall sailors ended up with 3.5m rigs! Thanks must go to the Hollingworth Safety Teams who helped out with this activity as well as taking some great pictures from the water.

Celebrations for Team Astbury

It had been a long hot, frustrating day but fortunately everyone was smiling having had some competition as well as some fun. Astbury sailors Richard Wardle (13) and Cameron Finney (14) celebrated their birthdays with the traditional “Happy Birthday” song and a dunking in the lake. Alex Lee (15) and Jason Allen (14) collected the Merit Trophies for their efforts at their first event. The other notable performance at their first event came from Joe Stone (12) sailing for Team Astbury. Joe was 3rd in the 3.5m fleet. Well done to everyone who took part.

More wind next time please

Thanks must go to Gary and his Hollingworth Team who supported the event with all the administration and safety cover. Hopefully everyone is keen to test their skills at our next event at Astbury Sailsports on Saturday 7th July – Ali has booked the wind!

Team winners - Team Astbury 

 

Photos courtesy of

Report written by:
Mike Roberts
T15 CO - Wests Zone

We are the Champions!
West Kirby Warriors
T15 Champions 2008

Congratulations!

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(previous courses in 2008)

Mount Batten Centre - Plymouth
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 27/28 September 2008
Closing date: 5 September
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Lakes Leisure - Windermere
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 30/31 August 2008
Closing date: 15 August
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Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 30/31 August 2008
Closing date: 15 August
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Weekend course: 5/6 July 2008
Closing date: 30 June
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Wimbleball Lake - Somerset
Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek course: 3/4 July 2008
Closing date: 30 June
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Roadford Lake - Okehampton
Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek Course: 4/5 June 2008
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Weekend Course: 3/4 May 2008
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Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek Course: 1/2 May 2008
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Weekend Course: 12/13 April 2008
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