2013 Sailing News

8th December 2013
by Graham Knox

The Lake Sailing Club’s season came to an end on Sunday when 2 races were sailed in better winds than for some time. The Merlin Rockets were out in some strength. As they rounded the first mark, there was no clear leader but Steve Crook and Sally Townend soon seized the lead and ran away with the race win. In the second race, this pair were chased more closely by Nick Heginbotham and Eleanor Davies. On the leg to the finish, Nick Heginbotham found a way to sneak past Steve Crook to take the final win of the year.
The Clubhouse is now closed for major internal improvements under Sport England’s Inspired Facilities scheme and will reopen for the start of new season in March.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 S Crook/S Townend 2 M & R Watts 3 L Bithell/L Ashworth
Race 2: 1 N Heginbotham/E Davies 2 S Crook/S Townend 3 B Mager/R Richards

GP 14-
Race 1: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 2: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 A & Y Carter 3 G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo-
Race 1: 1 D Smith 2 O Whitehead

Laser-
Race 1: 1. R Whitehill 2 W Smith 3 J Maguire
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1st December 2013
by Graham Knox

The penultimate Sunday of the season for sailors found a glassy Lake on Sunday. There was a light air which changed between the north and east in direction. Julian Parry arrived late at the start for the Solos in the first race and managed to find a way to the lead. Sam McDougall and Chloe Brennan in a GP14 provided some light relief with an over-enthusiastic roll tack and capsized! Racing in such conditions requires much concentration to keep a boat moving forward and there were fewer takers for the second race.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 L Bithell/L Ashworth 2 M & R Watts 3 S Bates/A Hilton
Race 2: 1 N Brook/R Bramwell 2 M & R Watts

GP 14-
Race 1: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 A & Y Carter 3 O Whitehead/N Thomason
Race 2: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 A & E Carter 3 G Knox/J-A Dobbs

Solo-
Race 1: 1 J Parry 2 D Smith 3 J Walker
Race 2: 1 O Whitehead 2 J Parry 3 J Walker

Mirror-
Both Races: 1 R Cwik

Laser-
Race 1: 1. W Smith 2 E Parry
Race 2 :1 W Smith

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24th November 2013
by Graham Knox

Roger Mee took the helm of a GP14 again, with Steve Caladine, and won each of the three races at the Lake on Sunday. This was not without challenges in the first and second races. In the first one, Martin Brennan with Dave Kay and Andy Carter with Craig Broadbent were always ready to gain from any tactical error, easy in the light winds. In the second one, Mee had to watch carefully again as Craig Broadbent (now helming) with Andy Carter was on the pace at his ‘heels’. In the Merlin Rockets, Steve Crook with Chloe Brennan was consistently kept in second place by others. The closest race was the second one where Andy Smith and Oliver Whitehead gained a good lead but suffered on a long downwind leg where, in the tactical battle, they lost the lead at the last mark. But, in the windward leg to the finish line, Smith found some better tack angles to recover the lead by a short length. Oliver Whitehead had won teh first race in a Solo and passed the boat over to his father, Gerald, who own the other two races.

Club Results:-
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 L Bithell/L Ashworth 2 S Crook/C Brennan 3 M & R Watts
Race 2: 1 A Smith/O Whitehead 2 S Crook/C Brennan 3 L Bithell/L Ashworth
Race 3: 1 M & R Watts 2 S Crook/C Brennan 3 N Brook/R Bramwell

GP14-
Race 1: 1 R Mee/S Caladine 2 M Brennan/D Kay 3 A Carter/C Broadbent
Race 2: 1 R Mee/S Caladine 2 C Broadbent/A Carter 3 M Brennan/D Kay
Race 3: 1 R Mee/S Caladine 2 M Brennan/D Kay 3 G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo-
Race 1: 1 O Whitehead 2 R Simpson 3 D Smith
Race 2: 1 G Whitehead 2 R Simpson 3 D Smith
Race 3: 1 G Whitehead 2 D Smith 3 K Parry

Laser-
All Races: 1 W Smith

Mirror-
Races 1 & 2: 1 R Cwik

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17th November 2013
by Graham Knox

Familar names led the racing on Sunday in the Merlin Rocket and GP14 fleets, respectively Martin and Rene Watts and Martin Brennan with Alastair Knott. In the Solos, Oliver Whitehead gave coaching practice to new member Kevan Parry and opted not to score in the first race. Otherwise, there were new battles for places. Nick Brook and Rhiann Bramwell lost out to Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards in the second race of the Merlins, but reversed the result in the third one. In the GP14s, young Craig Broadbent and 11 year old Adam Din did well to take second and third places in two races, overtaking Sam McDougall and Sophia Miles to do so. At least the morning mist cleared to give reasonable racing conditions.

Club Results:-

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 M & R Watts 2 G Whitehead/D Thompson
Race 2: 1 M & R Watts 2 B Mager/R Richards 3 N Brook/R Bramwell
Race 3: 1 M & R Watts 2 N Brook/R Bramwell 3 B Mager/R Richards

GP14-
Race 1: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 S Miles/S McDougall
Race 2: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 C Broadbent/A Din 3 S McDougall/S Miles
Race 3: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 A & Y Carter 3 C Broadbent/A Din

Solo-
Race 1: 1 R Long 2 R Din 3 J Walker
Races 2 & 3: 1 O Whitehead 2 R Long 3 R Din

Laser-
Races 2 & 3: 1 W Smith 2 E Parry

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10th November 2013

by Graham Knox

Sunday brought a mellow autumn day’s sailing at the Lake. The race starting team set out for a light westerly wind, that soon changed to a north westerly and a different course to be given. By the time of the third race, the wind was disappearing and several boats opted not to race. Oliver Whitehead was again the steady winner in the Solos.

Adam Din and William Rowland went, on Saturday, to a Lancashire Schools Sailing Association Regatta in Bolton. In very light airs, Adam won his class in a Pico while William made progress with his RS Feva. The Club’s young sailors are building their experience and enjoying the sport.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 S Crook/S Townend 2 G Winder/E Davies 3 B Mager/R Richards
Race 2: 1 S Crook/S Townend 2 B Mager/R Richards 3 N Heginbotham/A Hilton
Race 3: 1 B Mager/R Richards 2 G Whitehead/D Thompson

GP 14-
Race 2: 1 A & Y Carter 2 C Broadbent/G Knox
Race 3: 1 A & E Carter 2 C Broadbent/G Knox

Solo-
Race 1: 1 O Whitehead 2 R Simpson 3 S Essex
Race 2: 1 O Whitehead 2 R Simpson 3 R Long
Race 3: 1 O Whitehead 2 S Essex 3 R Long

Mirror-
All Races: 1 R Cwik

Laser-
Race 1: 1. W Smith
Races 2 & 3: 1 W Smith 2 E Parry

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3rd November 2013

by Graham Knox

Oliver Whitehead had two easy wins in the Solo fleet racing in the blustery wind on Sunday. When Andrew Smith joined for the third race, he was up against stronger opposition, but managed to secure the victory. There were several capsizes keeping the safety patrol boats busy in the challenging conditions. Downwind gave bursts of speed while sailing upwind was not easy in the shifty gusts. Despite these conditions, junior members Will Smith and Evan Parry showed resilience and skill in a Laser and Oppie respectively.

During the past week, Craig Broadbent and Matthew Rush were at Crosby for 5 days of advanced race coaching mostly in near gale force winds. Craig then put his newly learned skills to use, sailing with young Adam Din in the GP 14 Youth Championship in the Midlands. As the youngest and lightest competitors, they were praised for participating.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 2: 1 S Crook/S Townend 2 S Bates/A Hilton 3 B Mager/R Richards
Race 3: 1 S Crook/S Townend 2 M& R Watts 3 S Bates/A Hilton

GP 14-
Races 1 & 2: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 S McDougall/C Brennan 3 J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 3: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 S McDougall/C Brennan

Solo-
Race 1: 1 O Whitehead 2 R Long 3 G Whitehead
Race 2: 1 O Whitehead 2 D Smith 3 R Long

Race 3: 1 O Whitehead 2 A Smith 3 G Whitehead
Laser-
Races 1 & 2: 1 W Smith

Oppie-
Races 1 & 2: 1 E Parry

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GP14 Youth Championship 2013
2nd – 3rd November 2013
by Craig Broadbent

Having done the Howard Davis Memorial Youth Training Week, I entered for the GP14 Youth Championship. With all the training I had from the week, I was raring to go. I had chosen my crew, 11 year old Adam Din, and we were ready to go and fight for 1st place.

As we both arrived on Saturday morning we went straight to the water and had a look round. It was a small reservoir with a little island in the middle of it and a floating box next to it, it was really windy but we were thinking positive and we rigged up the boat.

Having gone to the briefing and after launching our boat, we counted 11 boats all together which was a slight disappointment given there had been a total of 19 boats on the water last year. As we got out the wind started to blow up and, having only 18 stone in the boat, we were struggling to keep the boat flat enough.

Craig and Adam 2
Craig and Adam

Having two DNF’s and a DNS that day, the wind just took over and every boat capsized, except ours! With the wind being 22mph we decided to call it a day and pack the boat up.
As the sun came up on Sunday morning it was a nice, calm wind until we started to rig the boat! As we were rigging up the wind picked up; the forecast of 16mph it was wrong. We went inside to check the weather station and it said it was 26mph!

We thought it was worth a try anyway, so we decided to go for it. After being out for 20 minutes and plaining along we had our first capsize; we were disappointed but we got the boat up and carried on. We got a start but didn’t complete the race as we both decided it was silly to stay out in the strong wind, so headed in.

We abandoned race 5 as the wind continued to get stronger. We had our lunch and waited 45 minutes to see what the wind would do, we then went out for the 6th race. Even though we came 10th we completed the race and were proud of ourselves. This was Adam’s first ever GP14 Youth Nationals and he loved it. I was very proud of him and he did his best in every race we sailed.

Thank you so much to Graham Knox who lent us his boat and got me to the club. Graham has helped me so much with the GP14 Fleet; he is just waiting for me to get a GP14 and is waiting for me to race against him! Thank you also to Rana Din for bringing my crew and for sorting me out with accommodation

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Howard Davis Memorial Youth Training Week
27th October 2013
by Craig Broadbent

A lot of effort went into this training week; with a low cost and high sailing standards the week was amazing. Myself and my crew, Matthew Rush, had an amazing time; we learnt lots from two excellent coaches Adam Parry & Philip Hodgkins, without them we wouldn’t have had the fun, or learning, we had!

We had planned to go out on the Monday morning but we woke up and it was blowing a force 7 with gusts of force 8 outside. Instead, that day, we did lots of theory, something I normally find boring but Adam and Philip put fun into it; learning things more advanced was much better than learning things that are plain and basic. We had to be up every morning at 7:15 and downstairs for 7:30 for our morning run and stretch, the first couple of days were wet and windy; horrible weather to be running in.

On Tuesday the weather was the same; wet, windy, cold and we couldn’t go sailing. With everyone itching to go out and have fun in the heavy winds, it was strict rules that meant we were unable to go out. Instead we learnt about rules on protesting, not knowing many rules personally, I learnt lots from the two coaches as well as from the other guys there.

Wednesday was windy, cool and with only a drop of rain we went out. Adam and Phil said to us we needed to be rigged for 9:00AM (This was at 8:30AM) so with a great rush we got changed and rigged up. Matthew and I were first on the water and when we actually got out and looked around, we realised how windy it was! Blowing force 6 with gusts of force 8 we were scared; we did a lot of reaching from mark to mark and were just happy to be out on the water!

On Thursday there was slightly calmer wind; everyone managed to get out and we did a lot on starting and roll tacking and starting with shocking starts. We got better by the minute; I couldn’t believe how good at sailing people were but then I found out their age and how long they have been sailing… After 6 hours of sailing we de-rigged and de-briefed, Adam and Phil had taken video’s of us and played them back to us, this way we could see all the mistakes we had made and where we could improve.

Friday was the last day at Crosby and it was flat calm in the morning. Because of this, we were all worried that sailing would be disappointing but as the minutes passed by, it gradually picked up to a nice wind meaning we could practice our roll tacks and do tacking on the whistle. This was something really handy to learn because it gave us more techniques and we could get better at our tacking/roll tacking. Having come in, de-rigged our boats and got ready for setting off home, we had a de-brief and some awards were given out. Matthew and I got one for most improved. Even though the award was small box of chocolates, it put a big smile on our faces to know we had improved massively and been acknowledged for doing well.

I would like to thank Graham Knox for telling me about the week and for also lending us his boat. Without Graham, Matthew and I wouldn’t have had any of the training we did and we wouldn’t have had the fun we did. I would also like to thank Adam Parry, the lead coach, we learnt lots and he looked after us well, also Phil Hodgkins (Ginger Boats) he was Adam’s ‘Assistant’ coach, we had lots of fun and we had a great laugh.

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27th October 2013
by Graham Knox

An occasional capsize in front of the Clubhouse brought excitement to racing at the Lake on Sunday.

Even the experience of Steve Crook and Sally Townend, in a Merlin Rocket could not avoid the inevitable when caught in a strong gust, with spinnaker flying and at full-blast. They still finished well ahead of the next boat. The forecast will have discouraged many from attempting an outing. Earlier in the day, the Club had offered a taster session to potential new comers but, in reality, the weather was not kind. Others did try to race in the afternoon and sailed without capsizing, taking a more conservative approach.

Elsewhere, the Solo Class were holding their end of season championship at Draycote Water. Three races were sailed in wild conditions on Saturday where Steve Denison and David Winder survived to finish 10th and 19th respectively, while racing was cancelled on the Sunday.

Results:-

Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.G Winder/A Hilton 3.G Whitehead/R Mason
Race 3: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.G Whitehead/R Mason

GP14-
Race 1: 1.J Mellor/K Doherty

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Smith
Race 3: O Whitehead

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Solo Open Meeting
Sunday 20th October 2013
by Graham Knox

There were 26 Solos out on Sunday in the annual Open Meeting, which was also the final event of a Northern Travellers Series, so sailors came from many Clubs to race at our Lake.

All three races were won by Michael Sims from Carsington, but he always had to pass others on the way to the lead. In the first race it was Patrick Hamilton from Burwain (near Colne), in the next one it was Adam Savage from Ellton in Bury, though local David Winder was also in the running.

The last race saw Steve Denison from the local club look likely to secure a comfortable lead but in the end he too succumbed to Sims. Consistent sailing by Stephen Graham from Burwain gave him the runner-up place overall with Denison just beating Paul Heath from Leigh & Lowton club. A sudden squall near the finish of the third race benefitted some, giving Oliver Whitehead a useful third place in that race, while others suffered. There were several capsizes in the exciting conditions.

Solo4
Solo5
Solo3
Solo6

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13th October 2013
by Graham Knox

The Autumn Pursuit Race started the day’s racing on Sunday at the Lake. This is a handicap race with the slower boats starting first and it finishes an hour later. There were only single-handers out, Solos and Lasers. Oliver Whitehead and David Winder had quite a battle for the lead in Solos, nip and tuck all round the course. Winder managed to gain the lead after the last windward mark. Nigel Davey took third place. After that there were two races for the autumn series. In the occasionally gusty wind, David Winder led most of the way in both races. Two of our newer members were out in the Lasers and met with some success.

Over the weekend, Matt Mee, with Emma Norris, having won the RS200 National Championship in August, sailed for the Endeavour Trophy at Burnham in Essex, the Champion of Champions event, and sailed well to 4th place overall, in the most competitive series.

The Club will be hosting a Solo Open Meeting on Sunday; the final event of a northern series.

Results:-

Solo-
Race 1: 1 D Winder 2 O Whitehead 3 N Davey
Race 2: 1 D Winder 2 O Whitehead 3 D Smith

Laser-
Race 1: 1 G Whitehead 2 W Smith 3 A Wake
Race 2: 1 A Wake

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Merlin Rocket Open Meeting
5th-6th October 2013
by Graham Knox

In a closely fought series over the weekend of 5th & 6th October, David Winder and Pippa Taylor won the Felucca Trophy, HLSC’s Merlin Rocket Open in a fleet of 16 boats.  This was part of the Craftinsure sponsored Silver Tiller Series.  This Trophy had been in the hands of Richard Whitworth for 17 times in past years and it was a daunting prospect for any one to challenge on his former ‘home’ waters.

David Winder

For the results and a full report about this event, please click on the link to download a copy of the Merlin Rocket Open – 5-6 Oct 2013.

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29th September 2013
by Graham Knox

The sun sparkled on the ‘white horses’ across the Lake on Sunday. The strong easterly wind brought a capsize drill to those training in the morning and also to some racing in the afternoon. The wind did ease off at times but there was still plenty to challenge the racers. Indeed the wind strengthened again for the third race and so there were fewer starters. Steve Crook and Chloe Brennan did not always have it their own way in the Merlin Rockets with two others always snapping at their transom, one of which had a little more power to take the third race win. Gareth and David Hughes took the Club’s recently acquired GP14 out and raced hard to take the first race. Other Club sailors were racing away with David Winder, in particular, taking second place in a Solo event at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 2: 1 S Crook/C Brennan 2 J Parry/A Hilton 3 N Heginbotham/R Simmonds
Race 3: 1 J Parry/A Hilton 2 S Crook/C Brennan 3 N Heginbotham/R Simmonds

GP 14-
Race 1: 1 G & D Hughes 2 R Mason/R Din 3.J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 2: 1 A & E Carter 2 G Knox//M Whitehead 3 R Mason/R Din
Race 3: 1 A & E Carter

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1 M Smith 2 D Smith

Mirror-
Race 1: 1 C Broadbent/A Din

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22nd September 2013
by Graham Knox

The welcome change to the weather on Sunday brought more sailors out to race. While there was a warm breeze, it also varied in direction and could be patchy in strength. Martin Brennan and Alastair won all 3 races in the GP 14s, the pair were not always the early leaders. They had great speed and good tactical knowledge that took them to the lead, while behind battles ensued for the other places. In the second race, Richard Long and Jo-Anna Dobbs managed to hold second place without flying their spinnaker. Guy Winder surprised the Merlin Rocket fleet with an apparently convincing lead in the first race, with Eleanor Davies as crew, until the final leg when Steve Crook and Chloe Brennan got the better of them. In the next race, Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards benefitted from some of the others missing a mark. Martin and Rene Watts made no such mistake in winning the third race. Nigel Davey made the best of the first race in the Solos, as Oliver Whitehead sailed in a GP 14 and then took command in his Solo for the other two races. Young members, Will Smith sailing in a Laser and Adam Din in a Pico, showed that they were race-ready too.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 S Crook/C Brennan 2 G Winder/E Davies 3 R Mee/A Hilton
Race 2: 1 B Mager/R Richards 2 S Crook/C Brennan 3 G Winder/E Davies
Race 3: 1 M & R Watts 2 B Mager/R Richards 3 R Mee/A Hilton

GP 14-
Race 1: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 G Knox/M Whitehead 3 S McDougall/S Miles
Race 2: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 R Long/J Dobbs 3 S McDougall/S Miles
Race 3: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 A & E Carter 3 G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo-
Race 1: 1 N Davey 2 M Smith 3 R Blackburn
Race 2: 1 O Whitehead 2 N Davey 3 M Smith
Race 3: 1 O Whitehead 2 M Smith 3 D Smith

Mirror-
Race 2: 1 R Cwik 2 R & J Din
Race 3: 1 R Cwik

Laser-
All races: 1 W Smith

Pico-
Races 2 & 3: A Din

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15th September 2013
by Graham Knox

Who would go sailing when the forecast for Sunday was so dire, is a reasonable question. There were few takers to race at the Lake but the two Merlin Rockets enjoyed some exhilarating sailing with Nick Brook and daughter Nicola far ahead of Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards. David Smith took the two Solo races as Nigel Davey suffered capsizes in both. The GP 14s thought better of the conditions having started the first race.

Sunday Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 2: 1 N & N Brook 2 B Mager/R Richards
Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1 D Smith

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8th September 2013
by Graham Knox

Despite it being a pleasant afternoon on Sunday, there were rather fewer boats out racing. This did, at least, give some less experienced members the chance to record some good results! The two Merlin Rockets were sailed by father and daughter combos. However a Club team was also competing, as usual, in the annual 24 Hour Race on the Marine Lake at Southport starting at 12 noon on the Saturday. In a fleet of 61 boats representing clubs from all over the country, the team finished a creditable 22nd overall. This is a form of relay race and some newer club members were introduced to this different style of event. Crews generally sail for a 2 hour stint and then do a changeover.

Sunday Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 N & N Brook
Race 2: 1 N & L Heginbotham
Race 3: 1 N & N Brook 2 N & L Heginbotham

GP14-
Races 1 & 2: 1 S & A Taylor
Race 3: 1 C Broadbent/M Brennan

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1 R Long 2 D Smith
Race 3: 1.D Smith 2 R O’Sullivan

Laser-
All Races: 1 C Bower 2 W Smith

Mirror-
All Races: 1 R Cwik

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1st September 2013
by Graham Knox

Sailors set out on Sunday to compete in the annual Club Championship. The strong cool westerly breeze offered exciting possibilities for keen racing. GP14s were the strongest fleet out and contested the series of three races vigourously. Sailors were placed in two leagues with Gold for the best sailors and Silver for others less likely to win overall. The results were scored on a handicap basis so despite Nick Brook and Jane Clayton leading the races in a Merlin Rocket, it was Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott in a GP14 who won the series. Oliver Whitehead sailed hard in a Solo to take the runner-up spot ahead of Nick Brook. Roger Mee and Steve Caladine, also in a GP14, showed that their experience was not to be ignored coming in close behind in fourth place.

The Silver league was also closely fought, between Sam McDougall with Chloe Brennan -winning- and Graham Knox with Michael Whitehead, both pairs sailing GP14s.

Wednesday, 4th September Report
by Graham Knox

The afternoon had been glorious with sun and a good breeze but, by the race start time, this had diminished to a light zephyr. The Merlins, particularly Andy Smith and Andy Hilton, got away off the start line into the wind zone well ahead. The course was shortened and the Mirrors struggled to keep going. Some of our newer members were out racing and enjoyed the experience. So ends another year’s Wednesday series.

Merlin Rocket- 1 A Smith/A Hilton 2 G Winder/T Daniel 3 N Brook/Toby White
GP 14- 1 R Mee/S Caladine 2 M & C Brennan 3 G Knox/M Whitehead
Solo- 1 G Booth 2 Andrew Wake
Laser- 1. G Butler
Mirror- 1 D Hughes 2 N Hornsby 3 R Cwik

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25th August 2013
by Graham Knox

It is unusual to have a north easterly wind at the Lake in summer. At times it was quite strong and provided entertaining racing. Top Merlin Rocket sailor Richard Whitworth was up from his southern home for the weekend and diced with his friends. Julian Parry, partnered by Sally Townend, held off Whitworth’s challenge in the second race but succumbed in the third, much to the delight of Zoe Parry crewing for Whitworth and winning against her parents. The condiitions clearly suited Mike Smith who won all the Solo races. While Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott won in the GP 14s, Andy Carter challenged with his wife in the second race and did better with his daughter in the third one.

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 L Bithell/L Ashworth 2 G Winder/T Daniel 3 G & O Whiteead
Race 2: 1 J Parry/S Townend 2 R Whitworth/Z Parry 3 M & R Watts
Race 3: 1 R Whitworth/Z Parry 2 J Parry/S Townend 3 M & R Watts

GP 14-
Race 1: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 G Knox/J Walker
Race 2: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 G Knox/J Walker 3.A & E Carter
Race 3: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 A & E Carter 3 G Knox/J Walker

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1 M Smith 2 R Long 3 D Smith
Race 3: 1 M Smith 2 R Long

Mirror-
Race 3: 1 R Cwik

Wednesday, 28th August Report
by Graham Knox

As the days draw in, tonight’s race had a mass start which produced some interesting outcomes. Starboard ‘lifts’ off the Club shore and some flats spots tested everyone.

Merlin Rocket- 1 G Winder/T Daniel 2 A Smith/A Hilton 3 S Crook/S Townend
GP 14- 1 M & C Brennan 2 R Mee/S Caladine 3 G Knox/D Kay
Solo- 1 O Whitehead 2 G Booth
Laser- 1. G Butler 2.R Whitehill
Mirror- 1 R Cwik 2 H & R Daniel

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18th August 2013
by Graham Knox

There were some changes in the ‘pecking’ order when racing at the Lake on Sunday. Martin Brennan chose to race in a Solo instead of a GP14 and took the win in two of the three races. Julian Parry took the helm of a Merlin Rocket with Stuart Bates as crew and also won a couple of races. The strong westerly wind gave some exciting downwind sailing but there was only one capsized boat, quickly recovered.

Last week, Matt Mee, with Emma Norris, sailing in a fleet of 95 boats won the RS200 National Championship in Cornwall in convincing style.
Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 B Mager/R Richards 2 G Winder/T Daniel 3 L Bithell/L Ashworth
Race 2: 1.J Parry/S Bates 2. B Mager/R Richards 3 G Winder/T Daniel
Race 3: 1.J Parry/S Bates 2 B Mager/R Richards 3 G & O Whitehead

GP 14-
Race 2: 1. G Knox/J Walker 2 R Mason/K Flook
Race 3: 1. G Knox/J Walker 2 A & E Carter 3.R Mason/K Flook

Solo-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan 2 R Long
Race 2: 1.M Brennan 2 M Smith 3 R Long
Race 3: 1.M Smith 2 M Brennan

Mirror-
Race 2: 1 M & G Winder 2 R Cwik
Race 3: 1 R Cwik

Wednesday, 21st. August Report
by Graham Knox

It was one of those light wind evenings with some stronger patches of wind which were difficult to detect. Although Steve Crook and Sally Townend won in the Merlins, Guy Winder and Tom Daniel threatened strongly at one stage and finished not far behind, while the others were some distance back. Nick Hornsby had an easy ride to victory in the Solos.

Merlin Rocket- 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.G Winder/T Daniel 3. J & Z Parry

GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.G Knox/A Hilton
Solo- 1.N Hornsby 2. J Walker 3.P Cain
Laser- 1. G Butler 2.R Whitehill 3.M Rush
Mirror- 1.D Hughes

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11th August 2013
by Graham Knox

With the holiday season now in focus, some sailors are away at Championships, or just on a beach somewhere. So there were some new combinations on the water on Sunday. Steve Crook gave young Will Smith, normally helming a Mirror, the chance of crewing in a Merlin Rocket. Despite the breezy conditions, oyung Will acquitted himself well coping with the large spinnaker, and winning 2 of the races. With the wind blowing from the north-west, it was exciting sailing out of the harbour, which some found difficult. It was also hard sailing against the wind into the harbour. Second race in the GP 14s saw a challenge to the dominance of Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott when Graham Knox and John Walker gave battle. During the past week, some young club sailors had a great week of coaching and on the water games.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.N Brook/R Hodgson 3.S Crook/W Smith
Race 2: 1.S Crook/W Smith 2. G & O Whitehead 3.B Mager/M Rush
Race 3: 1.S Crook/W Smith 2. G & O Whitehead 3.T Daniel/B Lopacki

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. M Brennan/A Knott
Race 2: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.G Knox/J Walker 3.C Knott/J Dobbs
Race 3: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.C Knott/R Long

Solo-
Race 1: 1.R Long 2.D Smith
Race 2: 1.D Smith 2.R Long
Race 3: 1.D Smith

Mirror-
Race 2: 1.P & J Bramwell
Wednesday 14th August Report
by Graham Knox

The clouds lowered over Blackstone Edge and rain threatened but never came to much.

So it was a very light and fickle wind that did increase enough to give a 2-lap race. Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards were on top form in the Merlins with a runaway win..

Merlin Rocket- 1.B Mager/R Richards 2.S Crook/C Brennan 3. A Smith/A Hilton
GP 14- 1.R Mee/ S Caladine 2. R Mason/K Flook 3.J Mellor/A Hill
Solo- 1.O Whitehead 2. R Blackburn
Laser- 1. G Butler 2.R Whitehill

————————————————————————————

4th August 2013
by Graham Knox

The Lake’s Solo fleet gained 2 recruits from the Merlin Rocket fleet on Sunday and they took the wins. First it was Stuart Bates, then Julian Parry borrowed a boat to win races 2 and 3. Anticipating keen competition, Gerald Whitehead invited a visitor to sail his Merlin Rocket successfully. Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott had no trouble in leading the GP 14s all afternoon.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1 P Crowther/D Thompson
Races 2 & 3: 1 P Crowther/D Thompson 2. M Watts/R O’Sullivan

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.C Knott/R Long 3.J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 2: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.C Knott/R Long 3.S McDougall/S Miles
Race 3: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.R Maosn/J Dobbs

Solo-
Race 1: 1.S Bates 2.M Smith 3.N Davey
Race 2: 1.J Parry 2.M Smith 3.S Bates
Race 3: 1.J Parry 2.N Hornsby 3.M Smith

Laser-
Race 1: 1.P Woodhouse

Wednesday, 7th August Report
by Graham Knox

A typical summer evening sail! A wind that promised well at the start and faded so that only 1 lap was completed.

Merlin Rocket- 1.S Crook/S Townend 2. M & R Watts 3. A Smith/A Hilton
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.R Mee/ S Caladine 3.G Knox/M Whitehead
Solo- 1.M Smith 2.S Essex 3.G Booth
Laser- 1. G Butler 2.R Whitehill
Mirror- 1.W Smith/E Parry 2.R Cwik 3.A Din (Pico)

————————————————————————————

28th July 2013
by Graham Knox

There was an air of optimism for sailors at the Lake on Sunday. The annual Founders Plate races, which had to be abandoned a month ago when the wind faded, were to be rerun.

There was a good breeze for racing and it all looked promising as the first race got underway. The format is that the best three boats in each class go through to a final race to find the overall winner.

Nick Hornsby was a strong contender in the Solo fleet and Martin Brennan with Alastair Knott obvious GP14 qualifiers. Also strong likely leaders would be David Winder and Pippa Taylor in a Merlin Rocket. No sooner had the first race finished than the ‘heavens’ opened and down came the rain. Instead of 3 races, only 2 could be sailed and the wind direction and strength varied considerably.

The 40 minute long final race to decide the overall winner saw David Winder and Pippa Taylor comfortable winners, with a tie for runner-up spot between Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards also in a Merlin Rocket with the GP14 of Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.B Mager/R Richards 3.T Daniel/R Jones
Race 2: 1=.L Bithell/L Ashworth 1=.D Winder/P Taylor 3.B Mager/R Richards

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.C Knott/R Long 3.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 2: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.C Knott/R Long 3.S McDougall/S Miles

Solo-
Race 1: 1.M Smith 2.N Hornsby 3.D Smith
Race 2: 1.N Hornsby 2.M Smith 3.G Booth

Mirror-
Race 1: 1.W Smith/E Parry 2.D & Z Webster
Race 2: 1.D & Z Webster

Laser-
Race 1: 1.M Rush
Wednesday, 31st July Report
by Graham Knox

After a generally wet day, a breeze sprang up to give good racing this evening, even a bit of planing from F to C.

Merlin Rocket- 1.B Mager/R Richards 2.N Brook/R Jones 3. A Smith/A Hilton
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.R Mason/J Dobbs 3.S McDougall/S Miles
Solo- 1.O Whitehead 2.G Booth
Laser- 1. G Butler 2.R Whitehill

————————————————————————————

Single handed Martin Brennan’s success
by Richard Hodgson

On a lovely sunny afternoon with the Pennine hills as a backdrop the Annual Single Handed Race started the proceedings with 4 GPs and a Pico taking part.

With the Pico retiring it was left to the GPs to fight for the Cup with Martin Brennan prevailing.

There followed three races sailed in a reasonable breeze that varied in strength and direction.  Whilst the GPs had a reasonable fleet the Merlin Rockets were depleted due to Salcombe Week.  The Solos saw an exiting finish in the second race with Graham Booth coming second by the shortest of margins.

Sunday 14th July Results:

Single Handed Race
1. Martin Brennan   2.  Sam McDougall    3. Craig Broadbent

Merlin Rockets
Race 1, 2, 3:  1. L Bithell / L Ashworth   2. G Whitehead / R O’Sullivan

GP 14
Race 1:  1. C Knott / R Long   2. A.Carter / E Carter   3. S McDougall / S Caladine
Race 2:  1. A Carter / E Carter   2. C Knott / R Long   3. S McDougall / S Caladine
Race 3:  1. M Brennan / C Brennan   2.  A Carter / E Carter   3. C Knott / R Long

Solo
Race 1:   1. N Davey   2. R Blackburn   3. G Booth
Race 2:   1. N Davey   2. G Booth   3. R Blackburn

Laser
Race 1:   1. M Rush

Wednesday 17th July Report
by Richard Hodgson

On arriving at the Lake sailors were faced with a mirror surface and no wind.

However before the start a pleasant breeze filled allowing racing to commence.  The breeze stayed for the duration of the race eventually turning through 180 degrees.

Due to numbers a mass start was introduced with Martin Brennan not only winning the GPs but also leading the fleet home.

GP 14
1. M Brennan / C Brennan   2. J Mellor / A Hill   2. R Mason / Crew

Merlin Rockets
1. G Whitehead / Crew

Solo
1. A Smith   2. G Booth   3. J Walker

————————————————————————————

7th July 2013
by Graham Knox

High summer certainly came to Hollingworth Lake on Sunday. This can mean very light and variable winds, occasional strong gusts and ‘reading’ the wind is a challenge. Martin and Rene Watts, in a Merlin Rocket, certainly had luck on their side taking the win in races 2 and 3, overtaking Steve Crook and Sally Townend in both races on the penultimate leg.

On Tuesday, the Club hosted an open event for sailors over 50 years old, part of a local circuit. This suffered even more from very light winds and was won by a sailor from Bolton in a single-handed Supernova.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.N Heginbotham/R Jones 2. M & R Watts 3.R & C Mee
Race 2: 1.M & R Watts 2.N Heginbotham/R Jones 3.S Crook/S Townend
Race 3: 1.M & R Watts 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.T Daniel/K Flook

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. J Mellor/J Pollard 2.R Mason/J Dobbs 3.S McDougall/S Miles
Race 2: 1. A & E Carter 2.R Mason/J Dobbs 3.S McDougall/S Miles
Race 3: 1. A & E Carter 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.R Mason/J Dobbs

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1.S Essex 2.G Booth 3.J Walker
Race 3: 1.S Essex

Mirror-
Race 2: 1.R Din

Wednesday, 10th July
by Graham Knox

A cloudy evening that offered an easterly breeze to give more stimulating sailing.

Merlin Rocket- 1.A Smith/R Jones 2.L Bithell/L Ashworth 3. G Whitehead/D Thompson
GP 14- 1.R Mason/K Flook
Solo- 1.R Simpson 2.G Booth 3.J Walker
Mirror- 1.N Hornsby
Laser- 1. G Butker 2.R Whitehill 3.C Bower

————————————————————————————-

Saturday and Sunday, 29th/30th June 2013 Report
by Graham Knox

It was an action packed weekend for members of the Lake Sailing Club.

On Saturday, a team of nine sailors took part in the Junior 12 Hour Race at Southport. The age limit was under 20 on the day of the event (most were well below that, and the youngest was aged 11) and finished 16th out of 29 starters in this relay type event. It means an early start at 8am for the finish 12 hours later.

On Sunday, the day started with a Ladies Race, where Pippa Taylor helmed to victory in a Merlin over Katie Doherty in a GP 14 and Hannanh Marsden in another Merlin.

Racing became exciting with the gusty winds giving hairy downwind sailing across the Lake. Despite the wind, Matthew Winder took his two young daughters out in a Mirror to enjoy being on the water. Matthew’s brother David battled in the Merlin fleet to success in the 3rd race.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.D Winder/P Taylor 3.J Parry/H Marsden
Race 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.D Winder/P Taylor 3.N Heginbotham/R Jones
Race 3: 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.N Heginbotham/R Jones

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. M & C Brennan 2.C Knott/R Long 3. J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 2: 1. M & C Brennan 2.C Knott/R Long
Race 3: 1. R Mason/K Flook

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1.N Davey 2.D Hughes 3.P Bramwell

Mirror-
Race 1: 1.Amelie & M Winder
Race 2: 1.Georgie & M Winder
Wednesday 3rd July Report
by Graham Knox

A cloudy evening with a typical easing and shifty wind as the sky cleared.

Merlin Rocket- 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.M Watts/R Jones
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.K Doherty/J Mellor
Solo- 1.R Simpson 2.D Hughes 3.G Booth
Mirror- 1.T Daniel/M Burton 2.N Hornsby
Laser- 1.R Whitehill 2. C Bower

————————————————————————————-

23rd June 2013
by Graham Knox

Sailing Club racers do not mind the occasional capsize that comes with gusty winds and thrilling downwind sailing.

So it was on Sunday when, in the third race for Merlin Rockets, Steve Crook and Sally Townend lost the lead. This gave the race to a closely chasing Nick Brook and Becca Jones. Steve Crook had a battle with Julian Parry and Tom Murphy to win the second race. Martin and Chloe Brennan had no difficulty in keeping Sam McDougall and Sophia Miles behind in the GP14s, while Mike Smith and Richard Blackburn, in the Solos, had both been giving training to new members in the morning. On Saturday, the Club has a team entered for the Junior 12 Hour Race at Southport.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.J Parry/T Murphy
Race 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.J Parry/T Murphy
Race 3: 1.N Brook/R Jones 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.J Parry/T Murphy

GP 14-
Races 1 & 2 : 1. M & C Brennan 2.S McDougall/S Miles
Race 3: 1. S McDougall/S Miles

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1.M Smith 2.R Blackburn
Wednesday 26th June
by Graham Knox

Nine Merlin Rockets raced after 2 General Recalls! Occasionally quite a breezy evening but shifty and with flat spots catching some unwary sailors.

Merlin Rocket- 1.N Heginbotham/R Simmonds 2.D Winder/P Taylor 3.R McKenzie/M Calvert
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.K Doherty/J Mellor
Solo- 1.R Simpson 2.D Hughes 3.J Walker
Mirror- 1.C Broadbent and friend
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill 3.P Woodhouse

————————————————————————————-

16th June 2013
by Graham Knox

Sailors at the Lake prepared for the important event of the year, the Founders Plate Day on Sunday. Sadly, the wind did not fulfil its promise and racers struggled to complete two of the scheduled four races. After two shortened courses, racing was abandoned for the day and everyone enjoyed a barbecue. However, the best sailors were consistent in those two races with David Winder and Pippa Taylor in top form in the Merlins, Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott in the GP14s, and Steve Denison in the Solos.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Bates/A Hilton 3.M Watts/R Jones
Race 2: 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.B Mager/R Richards 3.J Parry/H Marsden

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.G Knox/M Whitehead 3.S & A Taylor
Race 2: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.C Knott/S Caladine 3.S McDougall/S Miles

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1.S Dension 2.O Whitehead 3.N Davey

Mirror-
Race 1: 1.W Smith/E Parry

Laser-
Race 1: 1.J Hill
Wednesday 19th June
by Graham Knox

A lovely sunny evening when, for once, the wind stayed up although quite variable in strength. A good turnout of 6 or 7 boats in the main fleets took to the water.

Some results look very familiar!

Merlin Rocket- 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.N Heginbotham/R Simmonds
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.C Knott/S Caladine
Solo- 1.S Denison 2.O Whitehead 3.G Booth
Mirror- 1.R Cwik 2.N & A Hornsby
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill

————————————————————————————-

9th June 2013
by Graham Knox

For GP 14 sailors at the Lake on Sunday, there were excellent racing conditions and the 6 boats out enjoyed racing like ‘the old days’. The racing was close and eagerly contested with much place changing as the easterly wind filled in with some stronger gusts. Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott are not easily beaten in these conditions, but Colin Knott, sailing with Steve Caladine, gave them stiff competition and took the third race win. Andy and Emmerence Carter, and Colin Knott, again made an error in mark rounding giving an advantage to others. In the third race there were some pairing changes to stimulate the competiton. Oliver Whitehead had an easy time in the Solos, while Mike Smith sailed steadily behind for 2 races. The Club’s 4 keenest Merlin Rocket sailors were down at Abersoch for an event, where David Winder and Pippa Taylor were second overall, closely followed by the others for what was described as ‘champagne sailing’.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 2: 1.B Mager/R Richards 2. A Robinson/T Heginbotham
Race 3: 1.S Bates/A Hilton 2.B Mager/R Richards

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.A & E Carter 3.C Knott/S Caladine
Race 2: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 3: 1. C Knott/S Caladine 2.M Brennan/S Miles 3.G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo-
Race 1: 1.O Whitehead 2.M Smith 3.R Din
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.M Smith 3.R Blackburn
Race 3: 1.M Smith 2.R Blackburn

Wednesday 12th June
by Graham Knox

An overcast and wet evening, but the wind stayed up. 6 Merlins out with a battle between David Winder/Pippa Taylor and Steve Crook/Sally Townend (sailing Nick Brook’s boat). John Mellor led Martin Brennan for a while in the GPs and Craig Broadbent looked set for a second sailing the Club Laser, until a mark got in the way!

Results:
Merlin Rocket- 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.A Smith/A Hilton
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.J Mellor/K Doherty
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill 3.C Broadbent
Solo- 1.A Hornsby 2 R Simpson 3.R Blackburn

————————————————————————————-

2nd June 2013
by Graham Knox

Now that summer seems really to have arrived, the GP14 fleet were out to enjoy racing at the Lake on Sunday. With 7 boats racing, the Class is regaining strength. However, in the first race, the two leading boats rounded a mark incorrectly and had to retire. Colin Knott and Richard Long made up for that by winning the other two races. The last race was very closely contested between 3 boats. Oliver Whitehead in a Solo, made the same mistake in the first race, but corrected it and finished, winning the next two races.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
All Races 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.N & L Heginbotham 3.G Whitehead/R O’Sullivan

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. J Mellor/K Doherty 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.S & A Taylor
Race 2: 1. C Knott/R Long 2.A & E Carter 3.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 3: 1. C Knott/R Long 2.J Parry/S Caladine 3.G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo-
Race 1: 1.D Hughes 2.O Whitehead 3.R Blackburn
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Hughes 3.R Blackburn
Race 3: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Hughes 3.D Smith

Laser-
Race 2: 1.M Rush

Wednesday 5th June
by Graham Knox

A glorious evening of sailing with an easterly wind that held up despite threatening to fade. Plus there was a great barbecue afterwards.

Results:

Merlin Rocket- 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S CRook/S Townend 3.B Mager/R Richards
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.G Knox/J Dobbs 3.S McDougall/S Miles
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill
Solo- 1.O Whitehead 2.D Hughes 3.R Simpson

————————————————————————————-

26th May 2013
by Graham Knox

Sunday at the Lake was challenging for those out racing. Sunshine aplenty but a wind that could come and go and change direction was the problem. At such times, experience shows and there was never any doubt about the order in the Merlin Rockets or the GP14s. Nor is it an easy task for those who decide on the course to be set for each race. In the Solos, Nigel Davey and Oliver Whitehead took turns at the lead. Martin and Chloe Brennan might have won all three GP races, but for taking a handicap at the start of the third race.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend
Races 2 & 3: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.J Parry/H Marsden 3. A & C Robinson

GP 14-
Race 1: 1. M & C Brennan 2.C Knott/R Long 3.A & E Carter
Race 2: 1. M & C Brennan 2.A & E Carter 3.C Knott/R Long
Race 3: 1. C Knott/R Long 2.M & C Brennan

Solo-
Race 1: 1.N Davey 2.O Whitehead 3.S Essex
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.N Davey 3.D Smith
Race 3: 1.N Davey 2.D Smith

Laser-
Race 1: 1.M Rush

Wednesday 29th May
by Graham Knox

A complete change of wind direction, under a cloud filled sky.

Results:
Merlin Rocket- 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.M & R Watts 3.B Mager/R Richards
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.C Knott/J Dobbs
Laser- 1.R Whitehill
Mirror- 1.N & A Hornsby

————————————————————————————-

19th May 2013
by Graham Knox

The best turnout of boats on the Lake so far this year on Sunday and it looked as if the wind was not going to appear, but it started to fill in for the first race. It proved fickle race, with flat spots. As usual, some boats were slow to get to the start. Nick Brook, with Jane Clayton, won the first race in the Merlin Rockets to show improving form. However, David Winder and Pippa Taylor were the ones who did best in the other races. John Mellor and Katie Doherty narrowly missed winning the first race in the GP 14s, overtaken in the later stages by Martin Brennan with Nicola Thomason. Oliver Whitehead was on top form in the Solos, except that he, and Nigel Davey, thought they had completed the second race and failed to finish properly, so were deemed to have retired.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.N Brook/J Clayton 2.D Winder/P Taylor 3.S Bates/A Hilton
Races 2 & 3: 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Bates/A Hilton 3.N Brook/J Clayton

GP 14-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan/N Thomason 2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.S McDougall/S Miles
Race 2: 1. M Brennan/N Thomason 2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 3: 1.A & E Carter 2.G Knox/M Whitehead 3.R Mason/J Dobbs

Solo-
Race 1: 1.O Whitehead 2.N Davey 3.D Hughes
Race 2: 1.G Booth 2.R Simpson 3.D Hughes
Race 3: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Hughes 3.G Booth

Laser-
Race 1: 1.M Rush

Mirror etc.
Race 1: 1.W Smith/E Parry
Race 2: 1.W Smith/E Parry 2.A Din (Pico) 3.T & M Winder
Race 3: 1.W Smith/E Parry 2.A Din (Pico) 3.M & G Winder


Wednesday 22nd May report
by Graham Knox

A gusty breeze off the Lake Bank shore gave ‘full-on’ racing particularly enjoyed by the Merlins.

Results:
Merlin Rocket- 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.N Heginbotham/R Simmonds 3.D Winder/E Heginbotham
GP 14- 1.M & C Brennan 2.R Mason/K Flook
Solo- 1.O Whitehead
Mirror- 1.N & A Hornsby

————————————————————————————-

12th May 2013
by Graham Knox

Thirteen lucky boats set out to contest the annual Open event for the GP 14 class at Hollingworth Lake on Sunday. In the blustery conditions, it was the visitors who led the fleet. Three of the boats had come up from the Midlands prefering to sail here than at a local event. It was the Thomas brothers from Southport who took the Trophy on a tie-break from Dave and Seonaid Young. Roger Mee and Steve Caladine were the best placed locals in 6th place overall.

Away from home, Steve Denison won a Solo Open at West Riding in another competitive series.

Wednesday 15th May report

Bright sunshine and a strong westerly breeze provided challenging and close racing for GPs, Merlins and Lasers, while several Solo sailors were on race duty.

Results:

Merlin Rocket: 1.B Mager/C Broadbent 2.G Winder/T Murphy 3.M Watts/B Glynn
GP 14: 1.M & C Brennan 2.G Knox/M Whitehead 3.J Mellor/K Doherty

Laser: 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill

————————————————————————————-

5th May 2013
by Graham Knox

Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards had a good day racing at the Lake on Sunday. The bright and breezy conditions suited them in the Merlin Rocket. The most numerous fleet out was the GP 14s. Martin Brennan, with daughter Chloe, showed that, despite his earlier knee operation, he could still show the way around the course. Equally Nigel Davey in a Solo had a clear run in two races.

On Sunday the Club will welcome visiting GP 14 sailors to enjoy racing here.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 2: 1.B Mager/R Richards 2.G Whitehead/R O’Sullivan 3.A Robinson/T Heginbotham
Race 3: 1.B Mager/R Richards 2.G Whitehead/R O’Sullivan

GP 14-
Race 1: 1.M & C Brennan 2.O Whitehead/A Knott 3.R Mason/K Flook
Race 2: 1.M & C Brennan 2.O Whitehead/A Knott 3.A & E Carter
Race 3: 1.G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1.N Davey 2. D Smith
Race 3: 1.D Smith 2.R Din

Mirror-
Race 2: 1.W Smith/E Parry 2.C Broadbent
Race 3: 1.W Smith/E Parry

Wednesday 8th May report
by Graham Knox

A good evening of racing with the wind holding. There was enough breeze for a couple of capsizes!:

Results:
Merlin Rocket: 1.B Mager/R Richards 2.L Bithell/L Ashworth 3.A Smith/S Townend
GP 14: 1.G Knox/C Broadbent 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.R Mason/K Flook
Solo: 1.O Whitehead 2.R Simpson
Laser: 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill

————————————————————————————-

28th April 2013
by Graham Knox

The Big Water Festival at Hollingworth Lake brought many people to try water sports on Sunday. The Sailing Club offered the opportunity to have a taster in one of the Club’s training dinghies, or an outing on the Lake in the Club Launch.

HLSC1
HLSC2

Meanwhile some of the Solo fleet participated in demonstration races. Six shiort races were held and Nick Hornsby seemed to master the cool conditions best.

HLSC4
HLSC3

Results:
Solo:
Race 1: 1.M Smith 2.D Smith 3.R Simpson
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Smith 3.R Simpson
Race 3: 1.N Hornsby 2.M Smith 3.O Whitehead
Races 4, 5 & 6: 1.N Hornsby 2. O Whitehead

Wednesday 1st May report
by Graham Knox

A pleasant evening with a light wind off the Lake Bank shore.

Results:
Merlin Rocket: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.L Bithell/L Ashworth 3.M & R Watts
GP 14: 1.S McDougall/S Miles 2.R Mason/K Flook 3.T Murphy/S Caladine
Solo: 1.O Whitehead 2.A Smith 3.D Hughes
Laser: 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill
Mirror: 1.N & A Hornsby

————————————————————————————-

Saturday & Sunday 20th/21st April 2013
by Graham Knox

Hollingworth Lake was adorned with 12 colourful Mirror dinghies racing on Saturday. The sun shone and the breeze suited the mostly young sailors. The open event was dominated by 3 leading boats from Beaver, in South Yorkshire. Two boats were sailed solo by seniors, with local David Hughes being most consistent with a fourth place in all 3 races.

It was rather different on Sunday, with a gusty westerly wind leading to a few capsizes. Merlin Rockets had the best turnout, where Steve Crook and Sally Townend showed the others how to win convincingly. Julian Parry and Andy Hilton also had a good day with runner-up places. New members, Sam McDougall and Sophia Miles scored a hattrick in the GP 14s, despite a close finish with the Carters in the second race.

On Sunday, the Club will welcome people to the Big Water festival.

Results:

Merlin Rocket :
Race 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2 N Heginbotham/R Simmonds 3.T Daniel/G Winder
Races 2 & 3: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.J Parry/A Hilton 3.N Heginbotham/R Simmonds

GP 14 :
Race 1: 1.S McDougall/S Miles 2.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 2: 1.S McDougall/S Miles 2.A & E Carter 3.R Mason/K Flook
Race 3: 1.S McDougall/S Miles 2.A & E Carter 3.G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo :
Race 1: 1.D Smith 2.R Long 3.R Din
Race 2: 1.R Long 2.D Smith
Race 3: 1.D Smith.

Wednesday 24th April Report
by Graham Knox

What a contrast from a week ago! A light air off the Lake Bank and wind changes to tease all were set. Once round the first windward mark, Steve Crook and Sally were away, leaving the other Merlins to ‘nip and tuck’ race.

Results:
Merlin Rocket: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.M & R Watts 3.L Bithell/L Ashworth
GP 14: 1.G Knox/M Whitehead 2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.R Mason/K Flook
Solo: 1.A Smith 2.R Simpson 3. M Brennan
Laser: 1.P Woodhouse 2.R Whitehill
Mirror: 1.N & A Hornsby
————————————————————————————-

14th April 2013
by Graham Knox

There was too much wind for most sailors at Hollingworth Lake on Sunday. Four Merlin Rockets set out for the first race and all had a capsize at some stage And just 2 boats finished. The gusty westerly wind gave screaming reaches and hard work tacking into the wind. This race pattern continued and Nick Heginbotham had a different crew in each race. A few other sailors set out, perhaps to test their boat righting skills.

Next Saturday the Club hosts its annual event for Mirror dinghies and the following weekend sees the return of the Big Water Festival to tempt the public to give watersports a try.

Results:
Merlin Rocket:
Race 1: 1.S Bates/A Hilton 2.J Parry/T Daniel
Race 2: 1.N Heginbotham/A Hilton 2.J Parry/T Daniel
Race 3: 1.N Heginbotham/R Richards 2.S Bates/A Hilton

Wednesday 17thApril Report
by Graham Knox

Conditions had not improved though 2 Merlins, 2 Solos, 2 Lasers and a GP14 all set out to race. All except the GP capsized (well done Sam and Sophia!) and racing was abandoned in the gale force weather.

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12 April 2013
by Graham Knox

Sailing activity at Hollingworth Lake has increased with Easter passing.  Racing has started again on Wednesday evenings, in addition to Sunday afternoons, with training sessions on Sunday mornings.  The GP 14 fleet were the most numerous out racing on Sunday afternoon.  The day started with an uncertain wind which came and went from time to time.  The result was that all the fleets became mixed and it was a relief that the race was shortened.   John Mellor and Katie Doherty looked likely winners, but were beaten by Colin Knott and Richard Long with a narrow margin.  Colin Knott ought to have won the third race, but sailed to a wrong mark of the course and gave the race to others.  Three Merlin Rockets diced for success but  Les Bithell and Laura Ashworth managed to hold off the challenges in the first 2 races. The third race of the day saw a settled east wind fill in to provide the kind of racing that sailors enjoy. Guy Winder and Tom Murphy were the winners in the Merlins.

Sunday 7th April Results:

Merlin Rocket :
Race 1: 1.L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.M & R Watts 3.G Winder/T Murphy
Race 2: 1.L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.R Mee/R Simmonds 3.M & R Watts
Race 3: 1.G Winder/T Murphy 2.M & R Watts 3.R Mee/R Simmonds

GP 14 :
Race 1: 1.C Knott/R Long 2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.R Mason/J Dobbs
Race 2: 1.M Brennan/R Long 2.J Mellor/ K Doherty 3.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 3: 1.G Knox/M Whitehead 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.C Knott/R Long

Solo :
Races 1 & 3: 1.R Blackburn 2.J Walker
Race 2: 1.J Walker 2.R Blackburn

Mirror :
Race 1: 1.D Heslop 2.D Hughes
Race 2: 1.D Hughes 2.D Heslop

Wednesday 10th April Report:

The second Wednesday evening racing offered some challenges in a lightish easterly wind with an overcast sky.  The two Toms had an easy ride in Guy Winder’s Merlin as Gerald Whitehead sailed solo.  Martin Brennan, with Chloe, showed that, despite his knee operation, he was not easily beaten. Craig Broadbent and Adam Din pound the speed to beat Nick and Adam Hornsby in the Mirrors.

Merlin Rocket: 1.T Daniel/T Murphy 2.G Whitehead
GP 14: 1.M & C Brennan 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.R Mason/K Flook
Solo: 1.O Whitehead 2.A Smith 3.D Hughes
Mirror: 1.C Broadbent/A Din 2.N & A Hornsby
Laser: 1.G Butler

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24th March 2013
by Graham Knox

Easter Sunday at Hollingworth Lake and ice had formed in the harbour and along the shore. Launching a boat into the ice, it was soon broken up as the cold east wind got going and the sun shone. Four boats ventured out to race at first. They were joined by more for the second race, with 3 GP14s having an excellent tussle for places. Andy and Emmerence Carter nearly lost the lead at the last moment when the spinnaker dropped into the water and slowed their boat. For the third race, new members Sam McDougall and Sophia Miles took an early lead but succumbed in the wind shifts to Graham Knox and Mike Whitehead. The results of the two Merlin Rockets were consistent with Stuart Bates and Andy Hilton winning against the young pair of Tom Daniel and Ryan Richards.

Sunday 31st March Results:

Merlin Rocket:
All Races: 1.S Bates/A Hilton 2.T Daniel/R Richards

GP 14:
Race 1: 1.S McDougall/S Miles
Race 2: 1.A & E Carter 2.S McDougall/S Miles 3.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 3: 1.G Knox/M Whitehead 2.S McDougall/S Miles

Solo:
Races 1 & 2: 1.G Whitehead

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24th March 2013
by Graham Knox

The weekend of 23rd / 24th March gave us, what we hope is, a final blast of winter weather and that in the very near future we will all be enjoying some more typical spring-like weather conditions so that more of us can get out on the water; both on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings.

Obviously sailing was impossible with the strong winds and icy blast from the east. However that did not stop the four volunteers for rota duty from turning up. They took a look at the conditions and wisely decided not to venture out. Hopefully the current run of gale force winds will run out by Easter Sunday.

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17th March 2013
by Graham Knox

All of the different classes of boats raced by the Club were out on Sunday. This included some youth and junior members, including Adam Din in his Pico, Matthew Rush in a Laser and Craig Broadbent, with Jaime Holmes in a Mirror. The day started with a light and fickle wind from the south, with occasional flat spots. By the start of the third race, the wind had gone to the east and steadied. In the Merlin Rockets, Steve Crook with Charley Steele made up for a poor first race with two wins and Nick Heginbotham, with Chloe Brennan gave them a good race, after an early lead, to finish runner-up.

Results:-
Merlin Rocket:
Race 1: 1.S Bates/A Hilton 2.G Winder/T Murphy 3.S Crook/C Steele
Race 2: 1.S Crook/C Steele 2.N Heginbotham/C Brennan 3.G Winder/T Murphy
Race 3: 1.S Crook/C Steele 2.N Heginbotham/C Brennan 3.S Bates/A Hilton

GP 14:
Race 1: 1.G Knox/M Whitehead 2.J Mellor/T White
Race 2: 1.A Carter/T White 2.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 3: 1.G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo:
Races 1 & 2: 1.D Smith
Race 3: 1.G Whitehead 2.D Smith

Mirror:
Races 2 & 3: 1.C Broadbent/J Holmes

Handicap:
Races 2 & 3: 1.A Din

Laser:
Race 1: 1.M Rush 2.C Bower
Races 2 & 3: 1.C Bower

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10th March 2013
by Graham Knox

As the icy cold easterly wind blew across the Lake on Sunday, only three Merlin Rocket sailors dared to venture out.  First on to the water were Julian Parry and Andy Hilton who seemed to cope with the wild conditions.  They were followed out by Steve Crook and Sally Townend.  However, Nick Brook in the third boat capsized in the harbour and broke his mast.

So, just the two boats raced the course. There was never any doubt that Steve Crook and Sally Townend could master the conditions, despite valiant attempts by Julian Parry and Andy Hilton setting a spinnaker and planing fast to catch up.  After that, they decided to stay ashore and further racing was cancelled.  At least, on such a day, there was car-parking space at Lake Bank!

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3rd March 2013
by Graham Knox

Following two busy weekends of Club working parties to prepare for the start of the racing season, keen sailors took to the water again.

Boats 2013
Boats incoming2 2013

The still morning gradually provided a challenging south easterly wind for the three races. The strongest fleet out was the Merlin Rockets with 7 boats. Some took extra time to get out ot the racing area, so Stuart Bates and Andy Hilton had the advantage for the first race. After that, Steve Crook and Sally Townend showed their superior speed and tactical awareness to take the win in races two and three. Nick Brook, with Jane Clayton, is starting to show his form in the class, after changing boats last year.  With some new members bringing fresh impetus to the Laser class, three boats were out for the first race.

More boats are expected to ‘hit’ the water soon.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1:1.S Bates/A Hilton 2.N Brook/J Clayton 3.S Crook/S Townend
Race 2:1.S Crook/S Townend 2.M & R Watts 3.S Bates/A Hilton
Race 3:1.S Crook/S Townend 2.N Book/J Clayton 3.M & R Watts

GP 14-
Race 3:1.A & E Carter

Solo-
Race 1:1.O Whitehead 2.M Smith
Race 2:1.O Whitehead 2.M Smith 3.R Blackburn
Race 3:1.R Blackburn

Laser-
Race 1:1.C Woodhouse 2.M Rush 3.P Woodhouse

Mirror-
Race 1:1.C Broadbent

Craig & Mirror 2013

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£50,000 secured from sporting legacy fund
25 January 2013
by Martin Watts

The Club has secured Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund.

We will use the £50,000 award, along with funding from Club members, to modernise its clubhouse and shore based facilities. The aim is to encourage new members, of all ages, to join the club and to ensure existing members remain in the sport. The key areas of re-development for the clubhouse are to provide modern changing facilities, accessible facilities and upgrade the training & club rooms. In addition, changes are to be made to the launching and boat storage facilities.

Stuart Bithell, Silver medal winner in the 470 Mens sailing event at the London 2012 Olympics is a lifelong member of the Club and the Sailing Club has also trained a number of National and World Champions in other sailing classes in recent years.

Club Commodore, Stephen Crook, said, “The quality of sailing at Hollingworth Lake is so high that the Club has attracted members from up to 25 miles away as well as from the local area. These planned developments of the facilities, now possible because of the Sport England funding, along with our improved training programmes, should enable the Club to continue to inspire people to take up the sport of sailing and to keep them active for many years to come.

Simon Danczuk, MP for Rochdale, said, “Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club has an enviable reputation all over the country, not just as a breeding ground for success but also for being a friendly, family club.

“It was a very proud moment for everyone in Rochdale last summer seeing Stuart Bithell win a silver medal at the London Olympics. Stuart learned to sail at Hollingworth Lake and he’s a great ambassador for the club. I’m delighted the Club will be able to continue to build on its great work with a sporting legacy award fund.”
Sport England today revealed that more than 1,000 local sports projects across the country have now received National Lottery funding through Inspired Facilities, which is part of the £150 million Places People Play legacy programme. Every sports facility that receives funding will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark – celebrating the link to the Games.

Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis, said: “This National Lottery investment is helping us deliver a lasting sporting legacy for the South Pennine and Manchester area from last year’s successful Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“With so many clubs in Lancashire & Yorkshire having benefitted from this fund already and building on the success of last summer, this is the legacy people want for their local community.”

BACKGROUND
Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club is one of 310 projects across England to receiving lottery investment from the third round of the Inspired Facilities fund and one of over 1,000 to benefit overall, with the milestone being achieved one year ahead of schedule.
Many more communities can still benefit from the fund, with a further two rounds remaining. Bids will be accepted for the fourth round of Inspired Facilities Funding from 4 March 2013. You can find out more at www.sportengland.org/inspiredfacilities.