2014 Sailing News

14th December 2014
br Graham Knox

The final day of racing for the season at the Lake saw a mixed fleet brave the gusty winds and rain squalls. Just one race was sailed with two Junior sailors Adam Din and Evan Parry wisely deciding to retire after racing half of the course. The Merlin Rocket of Steve Crook and Sally Townend powered down the reaches with spinnaker flying to win comfortably on handicap basis. Another Junior, Will Smith, sailed his Laser well to finish second. Richard Long, in a Streaker, sailed steadily to third place while Kevin Parry in a Solo showed determination coming in fourth after two capsizes! Racing at the Lake will start again on 1st March.

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7th December 2014
by Graham Knox

It was the hardiest of sailors who took to the water for the penultimate day of racing at the Lake. With the occasional squall of sleet to contend with, which took sailors by surprise, they had to wait until the worst had passed. Two Solos were caught in this way approaching the last mark of the first race. Martin Brennan let his mainsail flap but Gerald Whitehead capsized. After that the day stayed sunny and the wind veered and the cold discouraged others. Craig Broadbent joined in for races 2 and 3 and showed how much his sailing skill has progressed.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 and 2: 1.S Crook/S Mason

Solo-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan 2.G Whitehead 3.K Parry
Race 2: 1.M Brennan 2.C Broadbent 3.G Whitehead
Race 3: 1.C Broadbent 2.K Parry

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30th November 2014
by Graham Knox

It was another light wind day for sailing at the Lake with the bonus of plenty of sunshine. With a reduced number of boats out, all boats started together and raced on a handicap basis. So the first to finish is not certain of victory until adjustments have been made.

The conditions looked suitable for Merlin Rockets and Bruce Mager with Sophia Miles were well away, but only in the second race was it so far ahead that they won on handicap. Oliver Whitehead was always challenging in his Solo and did best overall on the day. He had swapped boats in the second race with Kevin Parry and came second in his boat while Kevin found that Oliver’s boat did not give him enough extra advantage. Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott, sailing a GP14, are always strong contenders in such conditions and were runners up for the day.

Four Lasers were out with William Rowland beating his father and mother, but overtaken by Adam Din in the second and third races.

Results:
Race 1: 1.GP14 -M Brennan/A Knott 2.Solo-O Whitehead 3.Streaker-R Long 4.Merlin-B Mager/S Miles

Race 2: 1.Merlin-B Mager/S Miles 2.Solo-O Whitehead 3.GP14-M Brennan/A Knott 4.Solo-D Smith

Race 3: 1.Solo-O Whitehead 2.GP14-M Brennan/A Knott 3.Merlin-B Mager/S Miles 4.Merlin-G Whitehead/H Daniel

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23rd November 2014
by Graham Knox

Sailors at the Lake usually check the weather forecast carefully while knowing that the Lake has its own microclimate.  It was supposed to be a modest south-westerly wind but, at midday, there was very little sign of it. It gradually came from the north west which results in an area of ‘wind shadow’ on the Lake Bank shore.

Martin Brennan, borrowing a Solo, led the fleet around in all 3 races, leading the second one by 2 legs of the course. Behind him there was much jockeying for places among the other 6 boats. Junior sailors raced in Lasers with Adam Din and Evan Parry taking turns at the lead, with William Rowland following. With the power of the sun starting to ease, the wind fell too and the third race was shortened.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.G Winder/T Murphy 2.M & R Watts
Race 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.M & R Watts 3.G Winder/T Murphy
Race 3: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.M & R Watts

GP14-
Race 1: 1.A & E Carter
Races 2 & 3: 1.A & E Carter 2.C Broadbent/P Bramwell

Solo-
Races 1 & 2: 1.M Brennan 2.C Massey 3.D Hughes
Race 3: 1.M Brennan 2.D Hughes 3 C Massey

Mirror-
Race 1: 1.R Cwik 2.E Coffey
Race 2: 1.R Cwik 2.E Coffey/B Small

Laser-
Race 1: 1.A Din 2.A Rowland 3.W Rowland
Race 2: 1.E Parry 2.A Din 3.W Rowland
Race 3. 1.A Din 2.E Parry 3.W Rowland

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16th November 2014
by Graham Knox

The wind at the Lake on Sunday could best be described as patchy. The direction varied between easterly and north easterly, so it was cold and light in strength.

The GP14s enjoyed some close racing with Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott being chased hard by Mike Butler and Steve Caladine in races 1 and 2. In the third race, Andy and Elmarie Carter added to the mix and gaining an inside overlap at a downwind mark enabled them to take the lead and win.

It was good to see the red sails of a few Mirrors out racing. The Club season will finish on 14th December.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.N Brook/R Bramwell

GP14-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.M Butler/S Caladine
Race 2: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.M Butler/S Caladine 3.A & E Carter
Race 3: 1.A & E Carter 2.M Brennan/A Knott 3.M Butler/S Caladine

Solo-
Race 1: 1.O Whitehead 2.G Whitehead 3.K Parry
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.K Parry 3.G Whitehead
Race 3: 1.O Whitehead 2.K Parry 3.J Walker

Mirror-
Race 1: 1.E Coffey/B Small
Race 2: 1.R Cwik 2.C Broadbent 3.E Coffey/B Small
Race 3: 1.R Cwik 2.E Coffey/B Small

Laser-
Races 1 & 2: 1.E Parry 2.A Din

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9th November 2014
by Graham Knox

8 Solo sailors ventured out to race on Remembrance Sunday’s sunshine and light wind. They were joined in the first race by a Merlin Rocket, two GP14s and a Laser. Finding enough wind to keep going was not easy for most of them, but the top ones found the way to do it. Not all of them sailed the second race and the race was shortened. After that no one tried for a third race.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend
Race 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.N & L Heginbotham 3.N Brook/R Bramwell

GP14-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.D Smith/S Caladine
Race 2: 1.M Brennan/A Knott

Solo-
Race 1: 1.C Massey 2.D Hughes 3.G Whitehead
Race 2: 1.C Massey 2.D Hughes 3.D Smith

Laser-
Race 1: 1.W Smith

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26th October 2014
by Graham Knox

At the present time, Sundays seem fated either to have very strong winds or none at all. Last Sunday belonged in the former category. Six boats ventured out in the blustery westerly wind and all but one capsized during the first lap. This kept the safety boat crews fully occupied and racing was abandoned for the day. Some of the Club’s Merlin Rocket sailors had ventured to Blithfield in the West Midlands where conditions were more sailable.
This weekend, the Club hosts the GP14 National Youth Championship for under-21 year olds.

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19th October 2014
by Graham Knox

After the calm of the previous weekend, the strong gusty winds of Sunday were quite a shock. Capsizes were always likely. Five Solos set out to race, plus a lone GP14, but only 2 Solos survived the first one and just 1 the second race. Chris Massey, an experienced sailor and member of Dovestone Sailing Club, has joined the Club for a taste of Solo sailing and showed an ability to master it.

Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott upheld the honour of the GP14s. Racing was abandoned after 2 races.

There were other boats out not racing. Teenager Craig Broadbent took young Emma Coffey out for the experience and stayed upright after some fast and wet planing reaches.
On Saturday, the Water Activity Centre’s Club held its end of season Regatta in breezy conditions.This was won by young Adam Din in a Pico.

Results:
Solo-
Race 1: 1.C Massey 2.M Smith
Race 2: 1.C Massey

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11th – 12th October 2014
by Graham Knox

11 visitors were welcomed to compete over the weekend, with 11 club boats out, for the annual Felucca Trophy for Merlin Rockets. Despite a poor forecast for wind over the weekend, racing got underway on Saturday, after a short delay to allow the light westerly wind to settle.

Three races were sailed and David Winder with Pippa Taylor, from the home club, always found a way through to lead. In many past years it was always Richard Whitworth, now based down south, who won. Apart from a second place in the first race, he had to settle for 5th place overall.

However, Nick Heginbotham and Jane Clayton enjoyed excellent results to finish 3rd overall, while visitor Andy Davis and Alex Warren came in as runners up to David Winder. There should have been 2 more races on Sunday but the very still conditions after the fog had lifted meant that sailing was not practical.

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5th October 2014
by Graham Knox

Sunday at the Lake gave racers an excellent afternoon with warm sunshine and a south westerly breeze to provide ideal conditions. Accordingly there was a good turnout with close racing in the three main fleets.

Mike Smith was in good form finding the way to lead the Solos.
In the GP14s, young Craig Broadbent and Harry Daniel chased hard but were overtaken by John Mellor and Katie Doherty in the first race but made sure of the win in the second one.

Although Steve Crook and SallyTownend won all the Merlin Rocket races, they had to work hard to achieve this result with strong competition from the other boats.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1. S Crook/S Townend 2. L Bithell/L Ashworth 3. M & R Watts
Race 2: 1. S Crook/S Townend 2. N Brook/R Bramwell 3. L Bithell/L Ashworth
Race 3: 1 S Crook/S Townend 2. L Bithell/L Ashworth 3. N Brook/R Bramwell
GP14-
Race 1: 1. J Mellor/K Doherty 2. C Broadbent/H Daniel 3.R Mason/N Thomason
Race 2: 1. C Broadbent/H Daniel 2. J Mellor/K Doherty 3.R Mason/N Thomason
Race 3: 1. W & D Smith

Solo-
Race 1: 1. M Smith 2. D Hughes 3. R Simpson
Race 2: 1. M Smith 2. N Davey 3. R Long
Race 3: 1. N Davey 2. R Long 3. D Hughes

Laser-
Race 1: 1.E Parry
Race 2: 1.M Rush

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28th September 2014
by Graham Knox

Lovely blue skies and a calm Lake greeted sailors on Sunday. They set out to try and race and found some patches of wind, at least the water was lightly ruffled. Alastair Knott in a borrowed Solo got away in front in the first race while others, missing the magic wind, struggled far behind. Martin and Rene Watts in a Merlin Rocket held the lead for most of the first race, but were thwarted of victory in the closing stages by Nick Heginbotham and daughter Lucy. However, they went on to take the other two race wins.

On Saturday, a group of the Club’s keen young sailors went to a rainy Glossop for an OnBoard Fun day.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1. N & L Heginbotham 2.M & R Watts 3.T Murphy/G Winder
Race 2: 1.M & R Watts 2. T Murphy/G Winder 3. G Whitehead/C Essex
Race 3: 1 M & R Watts 2. N & L Heginbotham. 3. G Whitehead/C Essex

GP14-
Race 1: 1 W & D Smith 2.R Mason/J Dobbs
Races 2 & 3: 1. R Mason/J Dobbs

Solo-
Race 1: 1. A Knott 2. K Parry 3. A Taylor
Race 2: 1. K Parry
Race 3: 1. O Whitehead

Laser-
Race 1: 1.E Parry
Pico
Race 1: 1.A Din

Mirror-
Race 2: 1.R Din

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21st September 2014
by Graham Knox

On Sunday, the Lake Sailing Club joined some 700 other clubs in 68 countries to run a race for ‘Bart’s Bash’, in memory of the late Andrew Simpson. 28 boats took to the water to race and donate money to the foundation in ‘Bart’s’ memory. The results will be sorted by computer on the global basis to qualify for the Guinness World Record. In the light northerly wind, it was always likely that the Merlin Rockets would do well and Steve Crook with Sally Townend won the race, ahead of Bruce Mager and Rosie Richards.

Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott upheld the GP14 honour with third place.
Two further races were sailed in the usual way.

On Saturday, the Club held a successful Training Day for potential new members.
Over the weekend, at the Solo Inland Championship on Rutland Water, Steve Denison finished 8th and David Winder 13th, after being on winning form on the Saturday.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.L Bithell/L Ashworth 3.J & Z Parry
Race 3: 1.L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.J & Z Parry

GP14-
Races 2 & 3: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.M Butler/S Caladine 3.C Knott/R Long

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

Laser-
Race 2: 1.R Whitehill 2.E Parry 3.H Daniel
Race 3: 1.H Daniel

RS Feva-
Race 2: 1.W Rowland

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14th September 2014
by Graham Knox

Over the past weekend, the Sailing Club entered a team in the annual 24 Hour Race at Southport. This was sailed in very light conditions with the wind coming across the town which made for many wind ‘shadows’ across the Lake. The Club finished 32nd out of 64 teams.

Meanwhile at the Lake on Sunday it was the Solo fleet that was out in force. David Winder was in great form winning the first 2 races by a large margin.

This Sunday the Club will be participating in a planned world record race. Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, an Olympic sailor was tragically drowned in the pre-race series for the America’s Cup. In his memory, Clubs around the world are racing, with results to be combined, to create a World Record sailing race and raise funds for the foundation in Bart’s memory. The race is called ‘Bart’s Bash’.
Results:

GP14-
Races 1 & 2: 1. J Mellor/K Doherty

Solo-
Race 1: 1.D Winder 2.N Davey 3.D Smith
Race 2: 1.D Winder 2.G Hughes 3.N Davey
Race 3: 1.G Hughes 2.D Smith 3.K Parry

Laser-
Race 1: 1.W Smith

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7th September 2014
by Graham Knox

The Club Championship at the Lake was sailed on Sunday in the most frustrating conditions. Sat under the anti-cyclone, there was plenty of sunshine but the wind proved elusive, so the start was delayed. Streams of light wind came from the Rakewood Road side of the Lake but rarely covered the whole of the Lake. Three races were sailed on a handicap basis between the various classes.

There was close racing between two Merlin Rockets, where Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards gained the early advantage and won the first race. But Nick Brook and Rhiann Bramwell were determined not to be beaten and worked their way to lead the second and third races and win the day.

Young Adam Din, in a Laser Pico, sailed consistently and lead the ‘Silver’ fleet.

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3rd September 2014
By Graham Knox

The final Wednesday evening race for this year was sailed in moderate north easterly wind. The portbiased start line saw the Merlins qjuick off the mark. Nick Brook and Oliver Whitehead managed to get past Martin and Rene Watts and Guy Winder with Tom Murphy. Bruce Mager, with Ryan Richards wanted to test the Club GP for its use at the 24 Hour Race in 10 days’ time and beat Martin Brennan and Sophia Miles.

Merlin Rocket- 1.N Brook/O Whitehead 2. M & R Watts 3. G Winder/T Murphy
GP 14- 1.B Mager/R Richards 2.M Brennan/S Miles 3. C Broadbent/A Din
Solo- 1.N Hornsby 2.T Daniel 3.D Hughes
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill 3. J Maguire
Mirror- 1.R Daniel

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31st August 2014
by Graham Knox

32 Solo dinghies met to compete at the Lake on Sunday for the Club Open event. This included 16 visitors from as far as Yorkshire, East Midlands and local clubs.

In a late moment of good fortune, local sailor Steve Denison won the first race ahead of Oliver Dumbleton from Nantwich. In the second race, Steve came second to Andy Friar from Cheshire. Chris Brown from Draycote was third. The best placed other local sailor was Oliver Whitehead who finished 4th in that race.

Brown went on to win the third race. The final outcome was that Steve Denison won the event, beating Chris Brown and Andy Friar by the narrow margin of one point.

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27th August 2014
by Graham Knox

The strong easterly made it hard for some to sail out of the harbour. Once out, there was some exciting racing to be enjoyed. With the early mass start, the Merlins were soon away and Steve Crook with Saly Townend were on form planing ahead, while Les Bithell and Rosie Richards battled to keep Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards behind their transom and failed in the later stages. Oliver Whitehead was in a different league to the other Solos and Martin Brennan and Sophia Miles easily won in the GP14s.

Credit goes to JoAnna Dobbs crewing for Richard Mason in some of the windiest conditions. Richard Whitehill and Gary Butler tussled in the Lasers and this time Richard won.

Merlin Rocket- 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.B Mager/R Richards 3.L Bithell/R Richards
GP 14- 1.M Brennan/S Miles 2.R Mason/J Dobbs
Solo- 1.O Whitehead 2.D Hughes 3.M Whitehead
Laser- 1.R Whitehill 2.G Butler 3. J Maguire

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24th August 2014
by Graham Knox

Bank Holiday Sunday proved a sharp contrast to recent Sundays with sunshine and a lightish breeze off the Lake Bank shore. On the other hand it gave some of the most fickle winds that gave the opportunity for great place changing.

The GP14 fleet noticed this most, particularly in the third race when the two leading boats were overtaken near the Wine Press. Andy & Emmerence Carter stormed into a lead from which Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott could not recover, despite closing the gap on the final leg. Richard Blackburn had a good day in the Solos while some practised their recovery techniques in capsizing.

The Solo fleet will welcome visitors on Sunday to the annual Open Meeting.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.B Mager/R Richards
Race 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.B Mager/R Richards

GP14-
Race 1: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.G Whitehead/N Thomason
Race 2: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.A & E Carter 3.C Knott/R Long
Race 3: 1. A & E Carter 2. M Brennan/A Knott 3. C Knott/R Long

Solo-
Race 1: 1.R Long 2.G Booth 3.D Smith
Race 2: 1.R Blackburn 2.G Booth 3.G Winder
Race 3: 1.R Blackburn 2.G Winder 3.G Whitehead

Laser-
All races: Will Smith

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20th August 2014
by Graham Knox

A complete contrast from Sunday’s stormy weather gave everyone a pleasant evening sail. The trouble is that such evenings suffer a lot of wind shadow on the Club shore and a dying wind at that. The GP14s were late out to the start and that dictated the results. Roger Mee came out trying a Solo and won comfortably.

Merlin Rocket- 1.G Whitehead/D Thompson
GP 14- 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.M Brennan/M Whitehead
Solo- 1.R Mee 2.K Parry 3.D Kay
Laser- 1.G Butler 2. R Whitehill 3.B Glynn

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17th August 2014
by Graham Knox

The stormy weather on Sunday would put off anyone from sailing on the Lake. Three boats did venture out but only one finished a race, and that despite a capsize near the finish line. Oliver Whitehead in a Solo was overwhelmed by the strength of the gusts. So ended the day’s racing.

During the past week, Merlin Rockets held their Championship and GP14s their World Championship in Northern Ireland. The Club’s Olympic medallist won the Merlin Rocket event in a closely fought battle during the final race.

Graham Knox, with crew Craig Broadbent, was racing on the day that hit the national headlines after a major incident was called on Strangford Lough. While many did capsize in a fierce squall, Graham and Craig did not succumb to that and sailed back to the Club and were surprised by all the blue flashing lights ashore of the emergency services and the subsequent media attention.

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6th August 2014
by Graham Knox

A pleasant evening sail with a good turnout of boats.

Results:-

Merlin Rocket- 1.S Crook/S Townend 2. D Winder/P Taylor 3.N Brook/O Whitehead

GP14- 1.M Brennan/S Miles 2.R Mason/N Thomason 3.J Mellor/A Hill

Solo- 1. N Hornsby 2.D Hughes 3. G Booth

Laser- 1.G Butler 2. S Mason 3.R Whitehill

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3rd August 2014
by Graham Knox

It was a challenging and exciting day for racing at the Lake on Sunday. The blustery wind gave fast planing downwind legs and muscle stretching upwind sailing to keep boats level and sailing well. There were a few capsizes. In the third race for Solos, all but one were knocked over in a sudden blast of wind, which Gerald Whitehead survived to finish. Julian Parry and Becca Jones were able to win the Merlin Rocket races without trouble. In the GP14s, Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott were challenged by Ellie Davies and Adam McGovern who took the second race, while Graham Knox with novice Jack Higgins sailed consistently into third place. Jack had been one of 11 young sailors in the week of coaching up to Friday developing racing skills.

Results:-

Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 2: 1 J Parry/R Jones 2.B Mager/R Richards 3 N Brook/S Heywood
Race 3: 1 J Parry/R Jones 2.B Mager/R Richards

GP14-
Races 1 & 3: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 E Davies/A McGovern 3.G Knox/J Higgins
Race 2: 1 E Davies/A McGovern 2. M Brennan/A Knott 3 G Knox/J Higgins

Solo-
Race 1: 1 N Davey 2 D Smith 3 K Parry
Race 2: 1 N Davey 2 D Smith
Race 3: 1 G Whitehead

Mirror-
Race 1: 1 P & J Bramwell

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30th July 2014
by Graham Knox

From a port-biased start, it was a light evening race with occasional westerly gusts and a few shifts. David Hughes held back at the start for the Solos and did not take too long to catch up! David Smith with Tom Daniel was trying his hand in the GP14s and looked like an early contender but approaching G mark was not easy, while Martin Brennan and Sophia Miles were held back for a while. Gary Butler was late out for the Laser start but managed to finish second to Adam McGovern. There was a close battle in the Merlins between Steve Crook/Sally Townend and Dave Winder/Pippa Taylor who managed to edge past into the lead approaching G mark for the last time.

Results:-

Merlin Rocket- 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.B Mager/R Richards

GP14- 1.M Brennan/S Miles 2.G Knox/C Broadbent 3.D Smith/T Daniel

Solo- 1. D Hughes 2.K Parry 3 M Whitehead

Laser- 1.A McGovern 2 G Butler 3.C Bower

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23rd July 2014
by Graham Knox

It was a ‘cracking’ night for racing, if you could sail out of the harbour! With a strong east wind blowing in, tacking out was not easy but everyone managed in the end. The Solo between the Nicks, Brook and Hornsby was soon resolved in Nick Brook’s favour. In the Lasers, Gary Butler was surprised by the length of time it took for him to overtake Craig Broadbent who was very fast downwind. Steve Crook and Sally Townend started well in the Merlins but soon succumbed to the pressure of David Winder and Pippa Taylor who were on great form with a runaway win.

Results:-

Merlin Rocket- 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.T Daniel/T Murphy
GP14- 1.M Brennan/S Miles
Solo- 1.N Brook 2.N Hornsby 3.K Parry
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.C Broadbent 3.C Bower
RS Feva- 1.W & A Rowland

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20th July 2014
by Graham Knox

Sunday gave sailors at the Lake another afternoon of fickle and light winds. The postponed Founders Plate was being contested with the best 3 results in usual fleet racing leading to a pursuit race final to decide the winners. Nick Hornsby in his new Solo was the first to lay claim to qualify and be a strong challenger with 2 wins. There would be little doubt that Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott would also qualify for the GP14s and be a possible overall winner.The Merlin Rocket results found Bruce Mager and Ryan Richards getting the shifts right to take a couple of wins though Steve Crook and Sally Townend were not far behind.

For the pursuit race, youngster Adam Din in a Pico (being the slowest boat on handicap) had to sail the race for a long time before other faster boats caught up. In an exciting finish, Steve Crook and Sally Townend gained the lead coming into the last mark ahead of Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott and others followed closely on the line within seconds.

Results:-

Merlin Rocket-

Race 1: 1 B Mager/R Richards 2 S Crook/S Townend 3 G Winder/T Daniel
Race 2: 1 B Mager/R Richards 2 S Crook/S Townend 3 D & S Winder
Race 3: 1 S Crook/S Townend 2 D & S Winder 3 B Mager/R Richards

GP14-
Race 1: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 G Knox/C Broadbent 3.C Knott/R Long
Races 2 & 3: 1 M Brennan/A Knott 2 C Knott/R Long 3 G Knox/C Broadbent

Solo-
Race 1: 1 N Hornsby 2 D Smith 3 D Hughes
Race 2: 1 N Hornsby 2 D Hughes 3 D Smith
Race 3: 1 D Hughes 2 N Hornsby 3 N Davey

Laser-
Races 1 & 2: 1 W Smith

Pico-
All Races: 1 A Din

Founders Plate:
1. S Crook/S Townend 2.M Brennan/A Knott 3.D & S Winder 4.N Hornsby 5.B Mager/R Richards 6.G Knox/C Broadbent

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16th July 2014

br Graham Knox

Yet another fine evening for sailing with the wind coming off the Lake Bank in a north westerly direction. Steve Crook and Sally Townend had quite a tussle with Les Bithell and Laura Ashworth in the early stages of a long race. Oliver Whitehead was also threatened by Nick Hornsby who gained on some shifts early in the race. It was good to see 6 Lasers out with Craig Broadbent in the club boat orunding the first mark in second place and, while dropping back for a while, finished in third place.

Merlin Rocket- 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.L Bithell/L Ashworth 3.B Mager/R Richards
GP 14- 1.M Brennan/S Miles 2.M Butler/S Caladine 3. J Mellor/A Hill
Solo- 1.O Whitehead 2. N Hornsby 3.A Wake
Laser- 1.G Butler 2. Ben 3. C Broadbent

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13th July 2014
by Graham Knox

Sunday’s racing att he Lake started with the annual single-handed race. Two GP14s were ready, but no other takers. The experienced Martin Brennan was able to keep ahead of young Craig Broadbent as the windshifted. As the day went on, the wind coming off the Lakebank shore became more variable as the gusts passed between the houses and around the trees. Evene Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott were caught out in the second afternoon race when they lost the lead to Andy and Emmerence Carter on an unexpected shift in direction.
Several of the Club’s keen Merlin Rocket sailors had sent the week down in Salcombe on their popular annual visit. For the third time running, David Winder and Pippa Taylor won the week against more than 120 other Merlin sailors.

Results:

Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.N Brook/R Bramwell 2.M & R Watts 3.D & W Smith
Race 2: 1.J Parry/S Townend 2.N Brook/R Bramwell 3.D & W Smith
Race 3: 1.J Parry/S Townend 2.G Whitehead/K Parry

GP14-
Race 1: 1. M Brennan/A Knott
Race 2: 1. A & E Carter 2.M Brennan/A Knott
Race 3: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.A & E Carter

Solo-
Race 1: 1.O Whitehead 2. N Davey 3.G Whitehead
Race 2: 1. O Whitehead 2.N Davey 3.R Blackburn

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9th July 2014
by Graham Knox

Another good evening for sailing though the wind coming off the Lake Bank was gusty and shifting. As usual G mark was prone to winds from either port or starboard or not at all and caused a few problems. The 3 GP14s enjoyed some close racing.

Merlin Rocket- 1.B Mager/R Richards 2.T Daniel/T Murphy
GP 14- 1.M Brennan/S Miles 2.M Butler/S Caladine 3. G Knox/C Broadbent
Solo- 1.N Brook 2. N Hornsby 3.K Parry
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.S Mason 3.R Whitehill

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6th July 2014
by Graham Knox

With so much activity in Littleborough and the Lake over the weekend, it was impractical to hold the usual sailing club racing.

However, on Tuesday, the Club welcomed 20 boats, with helms aged over 50, to their part of a monthly series held amongst local clubs. Sailors from clubs in Bury, Bolton, Southport, Leigh and Burwain participated in a variety of racing dinghies, many single-handed. Conditions were difficult for all as the weather played tricks with sun, little wind and then rain before settling later in the afternoon. Tony Critchley from Bolton, sailing a Supernova was most consistent and won the event, while local Martin Brennan in a Solo was the first race winner and third overall. Leading the way round, though losing out on the handicap basis, were Martin and Rene Watts in a Merlin Rocket.

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29th June 2014
by Graham Knox

The saga of light and fluky winds continued at the Lake on Sunday with the current high pressure and sunshine over the country. This gives an edge to the racing results. The day started with a Ladies Race won by Katie Doherty at the helm.

In the usual series for Merlin Rockets, veteran Guy Winder and Tom Murphy took the first win from Steve Crook and Sally Townend and a third in race 2, while David Winder and Pippa Taylor took the second race.

In the GP14 fleet, John Mellor and Katie Doherty proved consistent. The Solo fleet had more mixed results with Richard Long taking a good lead in the first race while Nigel Davey took the second.

Only 2 GP14s and a Solo ventured out for a third race when there was some freshening wind to get the boats moving along well. Some of the younger sailors raced in modern RS Fevas.
On Saturday, 9 young club members, aged under 20, took part in the annual Junior 12 Hour Race at Southport and finished well in 12th place out of 25 teams.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.G Winder/T Murphy 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.N & L Heginbotham
Race 2: 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2. N & L Heginbotham 3. G Winder/T Murphy

GP14-
Races 1 & 2: 1. J Mellor/K Doherty 2.R Mason/N Thomason 3.A & R Rowland
Race 3: 1. G Knox/C Broadbent 2.R Mason/N Thomason

Solo-
Race 1: 1.R Long 2. N Davey 3.D Hughes
Race 2: 1.N Davey 2.G Hughes 3.R Long
Race 3: 1.K Parry

RS Feva-
Race 1: 1.W Rowland
Race 2: 1.W Smith/A Din 2.W Rowland

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25th June 2014
by Graham Knox

An easterly wind gave long downwind legs to offer tactical manoeuvres in along race. David Winder and Pippa Taylor held off the challenge of Steve Crook and Sally Townend in the Merlins. In the early stages of the race, Martin Brennan and Craig Broadbent were occasionally overtaken by Andy and Emmerence Carter in the GP14s, but better upwind sailing ensured the win.

Results:
Merlin Rocket- 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.N Brook/D Thompson
GP 14- 1.M Brennan/C Broadbent 2.A & E Carter 3.M Butler/S Caladine
Solo- 1. N Hornsby 2.G Booth 3.A Wake
Laser- 1.R Whitehill

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22nd June 2014
by Graham Knox

For those walking round the Lake on Sunday, it will have been a gorgeous day with the hot sunshine. Sailors, however, had a frustrating time chasing light airs of wind which came from various directions. Some have a ‘nose’ for the source of the lightly moving air. Les Bithell and Laura Ashworth, in a Merlin Rocket, found it and kept ahead of David Winder and Pippa Taylor. Martin Brennan and Alistair Knott can be relied upon to find the way ahead in a GP14 despite the occasional loss of momentum. There was more fun in the Solos with David Smith losing momentum too and sailing backwards at a mark. Graham Booth won the first one and Oliver Whitehead the other two. David Hughes was challenged by his son, Gareth, in both his ‘old’ boat and his ‘new’ one and was beaten twice. Only the two Solos sailed the third race.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 2: 1.L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.D Winder/P Taylor 3.S Crook/T Daniel

GP14-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.G Knox/M Whitehead 3.J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 2: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo-
Race 1: 1.G Booth 2. G Hughes 3.D Hughes
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.G Hughes 3.G Booth
Race 3: 1.O Whitehead 2. G Booth

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18th June 2014
by Graham Knox

Such a lovely evening with a light breeze from the Lakebank shore offered a contrast to Sunday. By the second lap, the wind started to drop noticeably and become totally fickle. The leading Solos managed to finish as this happened and others had to struggle, though Gary Butler in a Laser made progress to finish with the GP14s. Les Bithell and Laura Ashworth had a good battle with Steve Crook and Sally Townend to secure the win.

Merlin Rocket- 1.L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.D Winder/P Taylor
GP 14- 1.M Butler/S Caladine 2.G Knox/C Broadbent
Solo- 1O Whitehead 2.M Brennan 3.D Hughes
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill 3.J Maguire
Mirror- 1.N Hornsby 2. R Daniel

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15th June 2014
by Graham Knox

Sailors, full of expectation, went to the Lake on Sunday to compete for the annual Founders Plate competition only to find a distinct lack of wind! Inevitably the start had to be postponed and, waiting for some wind to appear from the east, the decision was made to defer the competition to later and try and hold normal seasonal races. In the event, 2 races were achieved both suffering from a wind that reduced as the race progressed. Too late in the day a steady wind came after 4pm. Oliver Whitehead, in a Solo, always found the way to success, as did Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott in a GP14. Racing was closer in the Merlin Rockets. Martin and Rene Watts fought off the challenge of Nick Brook and Rhiann Bramwell in the first one, while Nick Heginbotham and daughter, Lucy, overcame them in the second race.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.M & R Watts 2. N & L Heginbotham 3.N Brook/R Bramwell
Race 2: 1.N & L Heginbotham 2.M & R Watts

GP14-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.M Butler/S Caladine 3.T Daniel/M Whitehead
Race 2: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.M Butler/S Caladine 3.A & Y Carter

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

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11th June 2014
by Richard Hodgson

20 boats took to the water on a pleasant evening with a light, shifty breeze that managed to last out the race.

The Solos saw Kevin Parry holding his own with the front end of the fleet for a lap and a half before becoming entangled in other fleets eventually finishing out of the first three; Dave Hughes winning by some margin.

The Merlin-Rockets had a tussle for 1st place with the lead changing occasionally before Nick Heginbotham crewed by Becky Simmonds, eventually, prevailed. However the excitement of the evening was provided by Martin Brennan crewed by Sophia Miles & Michael Butler crewed by Steve Caladine.

This produced some close racing with Mike Butler / Steve Caladine passing Martin Brennan / Sophia Miles between E & F mark and holding that lead till the end despite Martin Brennan / Sophia Miles closing the gap at the ultimate mark G; a well earned 1st for Michael Butler & Steve Caladine.

Results
Solos
1:D Hughes 2: G Booth 3: J Walker

Mirroe
1: N Hornsby

Merlin Rockets
1: N Heginbotham / Becky Simmonds 2: L Bithell / L Ashworth 3: M & R Watts

GPs
1: M Butler / Steve Caladine 2: Martin Brennan / Sophia Miles 3: J Mellor (single handed)

Laser
1: A McGovern 2: G Butler 3: R Whitehill

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8th June 2014
by Richard Hodgson

On a superb day for sailing, sunny, a good breeze that produced some great spinnaker sailing, the turnout was rather lacking in boats.

In the Solos it was a battle between the Smith brothers. It was good to see two of the Club’s newer Solo members trying out their skills in fairly difficult conditions.
In the 1st Solo race Will Smith in his Laser 4.7 headed that fleet home.

Martin Brennan crewed by Alistair Knott joined the two other GPs for the 3rd race and, having taken the lead never relinquished it.

Solo
Race 1 : 1 M Smith 2 D Smith 3 R Blackburn
Race 2 : 1 D Smith 2 M Smith 3 R Blackburn
Race 3 : 1 D Smith

Merlin Rocket
Race 1 : 1 N Heginbotham / C Essex 2 G Winder / T Murphy
Race 2 & 3 : 1 N Heginbotham / C Essex

GP 14
Race 1 & 2 : E Davies / A McGovern 2 P Bramwell / S Caladine
Race 3 : M Brennan / A Knott 2 E Davies / A McGovern 3 P Bramwell / S Caladine

Laser
Race 2 & 3 : J Parry
Laser 4.7
Race 1 & 2 : W Smith

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HLSC PIRATE PARTY
7th JUNE 2014

16 suitably kitted out and enthusiastic pirates assembled at 1pm at the Club ready for an afternoon of games on land and in the water. In fact most were totally wet before the event started due to the rain that never seemed to let up. It certainly did not spoil the fun as, getting wet in the Lake, what is a little rain to worry about.

The pirates were divided into teams and given names such as Superman.  The games started on shore with “Flip the Fish” and then proceeded to the waters edge for various get wet games. The last water game, trying to tip each other off an upturned boat, even persuaded two Mums to take part much to the enjoyment of the spectators.

It was then back into the Club, a quick shower and goodies. Further in-door games were played and having totted up the points a ceremony was held at which medals were given out. All of this was organised by Rana & Jill Din & Rhiann Bramwell with assistance from Mike Whitehead & Dave Kay.

On the water safety was provided by Brian Small & Steve Caladine in a RIB that moved quite well under paddle power.

The afternoon can be summed up by this “Thomas loved it so much he wanted to go to bed wearing his medal”.

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5th June 2014
by Richard Hodgson

A grey but pleasant evening, with a little persistent rain, saw a good turnout of nineteen boats take to the water for a race in light airs. Fortunately the wind managed to stay until racing was complete. The leader in each class established their lead very early on and were never threatened.

Results:

GP 14
1st 14063 M Brennan / S Miles 2nd 13946 E Davis / A McGovern 3rd 13873 M Butler / S Caladine

Laser
1st 196383 G Butler 2nd R.Whitehill 3rd B Glynn

Solo
1st 4734 G Booth 2nd 4281 J Walker 3rd 3170 D Kay 3670

Mirror
1st 67560 N Hornsby / A Hornsby 2nd 59035 R Daniel

Merlin-Rocket
1st 3723 N Brook / O Whitehead 2nd 3670 G Whitehead / D Thompson 3rd 3557 T Murphy / G Winder

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1st June 2014
By Graham Knox

When, in the morning, it was suggested that it would be a lovely day for sailing at the Lake, your correspondent responded that there was a notable lack of wind! Indeed, in the afternoon, wind came and went without any clear pattern. It did gradually settle in a westerly direction. David Winder and Pippa Taylor in a Merlin Rocket always managed to spot where to go and built massive leads. Michael Butler and Steve Caladine also sniffed out the light airs as they came, in a GP14; otherwise it was frustrating keeping boats moving to success.

Martin Brennan and Alistair Knott went to Budworth, near Northwich, for a GP14 Open also sailed in very light airs and won.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
All Races: 1. D Winder/P Taylor 2.T Murphy/G Winder 3.S & C Essex

GP14-
Race 1: 1.M Butler/S Caladine 2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.G Knox/M Whitehead
Race 2: 1.M Butler/S Caladine 2.G Knox/M Whitehead 3.J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 3: 1.M Butler/S Caladine 2.G Knox/M Whitehead 3.R Long/J-A Dobbs

Solo-
Race 1: 1.G Booth 2.R Long 3. N Davey
Race 2: 1.G Booth 2.N Davey 3.R Blackburn
Race 3: 1.D Smith 2.D Hughes 3.R Blackburn

Laser-
All races: 1.Will Smith

Mirror-
Races 1 & 3: 1.P & J Bramwell

Pico-
Race 2:1.A Din

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28th May 2014
by Graham Knox

There was a low turnout for racing on a rather miserable cold evening. With the wind in the east quarter there were strong gusts for downwind sailing and exciting gybes, but no capsizes. Dave Kay took the Club Solo and showed easy mastery of it with Andy Wake also coping well.

Merlin Rocket- 1.S Crook/R Simmonds 2.B Mager/R Richards 3.G & O Whitehead
GP 14- 1.M Brennan/S Miles 2.J Mellor/K Flook
Solo- 1.D Kay 2.A Wake
Laser- 1.G Butler
Mirror- 1.N & A Hornsby

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25th May 2014
by Graham Knox

Half-term and the Bank Holiday brought a reduction in the numbers of boats sailing on the Lake on Sunday. Nor was the weather too kind.

A heavy rain shower at the start of the second race discouraged many from setting out and only the Solos and a Laser took part.

The wind, of course, dropped to a light air for a while before coming back to the south westerly direction.

Oliver Whitehead tried out other sailors’ boats and sails and always gained the lead.
Past Commodore Steve Crook tried racing in the Solos (in the absence of his usual Merlin Rocket crew) and, choosing a different tack downwind, managed to gain third place.

Adam McGovern and crew, Martin Brennan and Alistair Knott went off to a GP14 event at Southport and took second and third places overall. The Marine Lake there suffered from light winds and only two races were completed.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1. L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.B Mager/R Richards

GP14-
Race 1: 1.G Knox/M Whitehead 2.J Mellor/H Mellor
Race 3: 1.G Knox/M Whitehead

Solo-
Race 1: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Smith 3.R Long
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.R Long 3.S Crook
Race 3: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Smith 3.S Crook

Laser-
All races: 1.Will Smith

Mirror-
Races 2 & 3: 1.P & J Bramwell

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21st May 2014
by Graham Knox

A glorious evening with a northerly wind that held for the race. 18 boats out with Nick Heginbotham and Becky Simmonds racing away in the Merlins. Good to see many of our newer members out on these evenings and occasionally appearing in the results.

Merlin Rocket- 1.N Heginbotham/R Simmonds 2.B Mager/R Richards 3.J & Z Parry
GP 14- 1.M Brennan/S Miles 2.M Butler/S Caladine
Solo- 1.O Whitehead 2.G Booth 3.D Hughes
Mirror- 1.N & A Hornsby 2.D Kay/N Thomason
Laser- 1.G Butler 2.C Bower 3.J Maguire

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18th May 2014
by Graham Knox

The warm sunshine certainly brought the crowds to the Lake on Sunday where the Club held a very successful Open Day, part of a national Push the Boat Out event. Many were taken for a taster session and signed up for a training scheme. Meanwhile the club racers went out for the usual race series and revelled in the southerly breeze. There were great opportunities for planing downwind under spinnakers. Nick Heginbotham and Jane Clayton led the Merlin Rockets. Martin Brennan was always in front in the GP14s, though as crew to Adam McGovern in the second race. Oliver Whitehead took the first race in the Solos, but Nick Brook forsook his Merlin after the first race and borrowed a Solo to win the second and third races.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.N Heginbotham/J Clayton 2.N Brook/R Richards 3.G Winder/T Murphy
Race 2: 1.N Heginbotham/J Clayton 2.B Mager/R Richards 3. G Winder/T Murphy
Race 3: 1.N Heginbotham/J Clayton 2.B Mager/R Richards 3. G Whitehead/C Essex

GP14-
Race 1: 1. M Brennan/A Knott 2.G Knox/C Broadbent 3.J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 2: 1. A McGovern/M Brennan 2.C Broadbent/G Knox 3.J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 3: 1.M Brennan/A McGovern 2.G Knox/C Broadbent

Solo-
Race 1: 1.O Whitehead 2.N Davey 3.R Blackburn
Race 2: 1.N Brook 2. N Davey 3.O Whitehead
Race 3: 1.N Brook 2.J Parry 3. G Hughes

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14th May 2014
by Graham Knox

A calm evening with a race that suffered from a dying wind and so several boats retired before the finish.

Merlin Rocket- 1.B Mager/R Richards 2.L Bithell/L Ashworth 3.S Crook/S Townend
GP 14- 1.M Butler/S Caladine
Solo- 1.N Brook 2.N Hornsby 3.G Booth
Laser- 1.A McGovern 2.R Whitehill

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11th May 2014
by Graham Knox

Local sailors Martin Brennan and Alistair Knott were the winners of the GP 14 class Open Event at the Lake on Sunday. Competition from visitors and challenging conditions on the water made for a keenly contested event. Brennan’s second place in the first race and win in the second made for interesting mathematics depending on places in the third race. Gary Dewhurst and Tom Bennett from Burwain won the third race but had been third in the other two and Greg Thomas and Sarah Allen from Southport having won the first, were third in the last one. Fourteen boats had started the racing but weariness and the occasional capsize in the blustery winds and rain gradually reduced the fleet.

It was even stormier at Northampton where 3 club members raced in the Merlin Rocket Inland Championship. David Winder and Pippa Taylor finished third overall, missing out on second following a capsize in the final race. Richard Whitworth, usually a winner, was 9th and Julian Parry and Rebecca Jones were 11th.

On Sunday, the Club will welcome anyone to come and try the sport of sailing as part of the national ‘Push the Boat Out’ weekend.

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7th May 2014

by Graham Knox

The cold and rain did not put some sailors off tonight. A shifty westerly wind was quite strong at times and caught out some. There was a great battle in the Merlins between Steve Crook/Sally Townend and Nick Brook/Oliver Whitehead. Each had the lead at times but, on the penultimate leg, Brooky gained to windward with spinnaker flying to claim the inside overlap at the mark which led to victory.

Results:
Merlin Rocket: 1.N Brook/O Whitehead 2.S Crook/S Townend 3. B Mager/R Richards
GP14: 1. R Mason/K Flook
Solo: 1.M Brennan 2.R Din 3.D Hughes
Laser: 1.G Butler 2.R Whitehill

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4th May 2014
by Graham Knox

Les Bithell and Laura Ashworth were on top form at the Lake on Sunday. Merlin Rockets usually have the most competitive racing and after a second place in the first race, Bithell led the second race from the first mark to the finish.
In the third race, despite an incident as the boat bore away at the first mark and challenges by Nick Brook and Rhiann Parry, who led for a while, Bithell and Ashworth regained the lead to a decisive win.

In the Solos, Nigel Davey mastered the shifting wind for two race wins, opening his season of sailing. In the first race, Graham Booth gained from a different line to the windward mark to overtake others and win.

Next Sunday, the GP 14 fleet (with a ‘bell’ emblem on the sail) welcome visitors to compete for their Trophy.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.S Crook/C Steel 2.L Bithell/L Ashworth 3.N Brook/R Parry
Race 2: 1.L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.S Crook/C Steel 3. A Smith/E Turner
Race 3: 1.L Bithell/L Ashworth 2.B Mager/R Richards 3.N Brook/R Parry

GP14-
Race 1: 1. R Mason/K Flook
Races 2 & 3: 1. A & E Carter 2. R Mason/K Flook

Solo-
Race 1: 1.G Booth 2.M Smith 3.R Long
Race 2: 1.N Davey 2.M Smith 3.G Booth
Race 3: 1.N Davey 2.R Long 3.R Blackburn

Mirror-
Race 1: 1.R & J Din

Laser-
Race 1: 1. W Smith 2.A Din
Race 2: 1. W Smith 2.A Din 3.H Daniel
Race 3: 1. H Daniel

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27th April 2014
by Graham Knox

Yet another Sunday at the Lake with a strong easterly wind blowing provided excitement and spills for those racing.

The Merlin Rockets were the best able to enjoy the competition with some close battles for the lead. Nick Heginbotham and Jane Clayton were dominant in the first and third races but were challenged strongly by Nick Brook and Rhiann Parry in the second. Brook held the lead with spinnaker flying in a fast reach across the Lake with Heginbotham close behind.

Having won the first race in the GP14s, Colin Knott and Richard Long were ready for action in the second one when they capsized shortly before the start. Two others who survived the first 2 races were too exhausted to sail the third one!

Young Will Smith, sailing a Laser, raced with the Solos, so he had a good day showing his father, David, the lead.

O Saturday, the Club hosted 7 Mirror dinghies to race for an open event. There were some well practised young sailors from other Clubs in surrounding areas that held the lead, though locals Craig Broadbent and Adam Din battled well for 5th place while Will Smith and Evan Parry found the strong wind overpowering.

Mirror7Mirror6

Mirror3Mirror2

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.N Heginbotham/J Clayton 2.B Mager/R Richards 3.L Bithell/L Ashworth
Race 2: 1.N Brook/R Parry 2.N Heginbotham/J Clayton 3.B Mager/R Richards
Race 3: 1.N Heginbotham/J Clayton 2.N Brook/R Parry 3.B Mager/R Richards

GP14-
Race 1: 1.C Knott/R Long 2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.R Mason/J-A Dobbs
Race 2: 1.G Knox/C Broadbent .2.J Mellor/K Doherty 3.R Mason/J-A Dobbs
Race 3: 1.G Knox/C Broadbent

Solo-
Race 1: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Hughes
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Smith 3.K Parry
Race 3: 1.D Smith

Laser-
All races: 1. W Smith
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23rd April 2014
by Graham Knox

An overcast evening that turned to an unpleasant drizzle but at least the wind stayed. Bruce and Ryan led the Merlins all the way round, whilst there was jostling for places behind. Kevin Parry, in a Solo, realised how much it helps to have others to show the best way round! 17 boats were out with a good showing from our Laser fleet.
Results:
Merlin Rocket: 1.B Mager/R Richards 2 M & R Watts 3.N Brook/O Whitehead
GP14: 1. R Mason/A Latimer 2.J Mellor/K Flook
Solo: 1.K Parry
Laser: 1. J Parry 2.G Butler 3.R Whitehill
Mirror: 1.C Broadbent/A Din

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20th April 2014
by Graham Knox

Easter Sunday at the Lake presented another windy day. Conditions for racing were marginal but 4 boats elected to try a race. With a course set for good planing reaches, they certainly sailed fast but, apart from capsizing, they all chose not to finish the race and sailed back to the harbour.

On Saturday, the Club will host an Open event for red-sailed Mirror dinghies to bring a touch of colour and hope for more moderate winds.

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16th April 2014
by Graham Knox

Sunshine and a decent breeze stayed up well for the evening race.

Results:
Merlin Rocket: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.J & Z Parry 3.N Brook/O Whitehead
GP14: 1.J Mellor/K Flook 2.R Mason/N Thomason 3.A Carter/T Daniel
Solo: 1.G Booth 2.N Hornsby 2.D Hughes
Laser: 1.G Butler 2.C Broadbent 3.R Whitehill

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13th April 2014
by Graham Knox

Sailors on Sunday were again confronted with challenging north westerly winds and strong gusts. Steve Crook and Sally Townend in the Merlin Rockets had no trouble with handling these conditions in the first race. Meanwhile Julian Parry and Pippa Taylor were able to give them skilled competition until they had a problem lowering their spinnaker, nearly letting Tom Murphy and crew Steve into second place. It was different in the third race where Julian Parry gained an advantage on Steve Crook forcing the latter into a tack, whereupon they capsized. In the GP14s, Andy and Yasmin Carter won, due to their greater downwind speed in the first race, but lost their way in the second one. Colin Knott and Pete Bramwell went out for the second and third races and took control. Oliver Whitehead led the way in the Solos.
Martin Brennan and Alistair Knott went to Combs in North Derbyshire for their GP Open and wins in 2 races gave them a clear win so they sat out the third race in testing conditions.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.J Parry/P Taylor 3.T Murphy/Steve
Race 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.J Parry/P Taylor 3.L Bithell/T Daniel
Race 3: 1.J Parry/P Taylor 2.L Bithell/T Daniel

GP14-
Race 1: 1.A & Y Carter 2. G Knox/M Rush 3.R Mason/A Latimer
Race 2: 1.C Knott/P Bramwell 2.G Knox/M Rush 3.A & E Carter
Race 3: 1.C Knott/P Bramwell

Solo-
Race 1 : 1.O Whitehead 2.D Smith 3.K Parry
Race 2: 1.O Whitehead 2.D Smith 3.M Smith

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9th April 2014
by Graham Knox

After a stormy evening last week when sailing was impossible, the Lake returned to form with a quiet evening race, though it was dark by the finish. It was good to see the Activity Centre Lasers out in some strength.

Results:
Merlin Rocket: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.N Brook/O Whitehead 3.G Whitehead/D Thompson
GP14: 1.M Brennan/S Miles
Solo: 1.N Hornsby 2.D Hughes 3. R Blackburn
Laser: 1.A McGovern 2.G Butler 3.J Parry

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6th April 2014
by Graham Knox

Slamming westerly gusts across the Lake on Sunday gave very difficult racing conditions. Only a few braved the first race and several, including this correspondent quickly retired from the race. 2 Merlin Rockets and 2 Solos were left to do battle. Steve Crook and Sally Townend in the Merlin showed how practised they were, though a capsize in the race gave a chance for the lead to Nick Brook and Rhiann Bramwell temporarily. Oliver Whitehead was again able to hold his own in the Solo. What is not recorded in the results is the excellent efforts of some of the Club’s youth sailors to sail in such extreme conditions and get back in the boat after the odd capsize.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.N Brook/R Bramwell
Race 2: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.L Bithell/L Ashworth 3.G Whitehead/C Essex
Race 3: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.N Brook/R Bramwell 3.G Whitehead/C Essex

GP14-
Race 3: 1.A & E Carter 2. G Knox/C Broadbent

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

Laser Pico-
Race 2: 1.C Broadbent/A Din

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2nd April 2014
By Wednesday evening the strong easterly breeze of the weekend had turned into a storm.  So with the racing cancelled it was an early retreat to the bar.

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30th March 2014
by Graham Knox

The many walking round Hollingworth Lake on Sunday will have been aware of a strong easterly breeze. Sailors racing on the Lake might have told them how hard it was for sailing. The gusts built during the day. Racing started with the Spring Pursuit Race where the slowest boats start first on a timed sequence. So young Club sailors were first away in a Pico, followed by the jazzy looking Feva. Before long they were chased by 3 GP14s and 2 Solos. Flying spinnakers to plane across the Lake, gave the GP14s the chance to catch and gain the lead. After 40 minutes, Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott in a GP14 took the win, followed by David Smith in a Solo. Only 2 further races were held, with some taking an early finish.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 2: 1.N Heginbotham/T Murphy 2.N Brook/R Bramwell 3.B Mager/R Richards

GP14-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2. G Knox/C Broadbent 3.J Mellor/K Doherty

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

Laser-
Race 1: 1.E Parry

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23rd March 2014

by Graham Knox

For sailors at the Lake on Sunday, it seemed as if all 4 seasons were present in one afternoon. Strong gusts and flat calms, warm sunshine and hail showers was the recipe. The results do not indicate how close some of the racing was. While Steve Crook and Sally Townend took the win in the Merlin Rockets, Nick Heginbotham and Ellie Davies often had the lead losing out as the wind shifted about. In the GP14s, Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott were challenged by Graham Knox and Craig Broadbent in two races and just managed to pip Andy and Emmerence Carter at the finish of the second race. Oliver Whitehead had no such problems in the Solos, with superior downwind speed. The main battle here was between the Smith brothers.
Results:

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

GP14-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2. G Knox/C Broadbent 3.J Mellor/K Doherty
Race 2: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.A & E Carter 3.G Knox/C Broadbent
Race 3: 1.A & E Carter 2.C Knott/R Long 3.G Knox/C Broadbent

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

Laser-
Races 2 & 3: 1.E Parry

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16th March 2014
by Graham Knox

With an unpromising forecast, fewer boats turned out for racing on Sunday at the Lake. There was exciting racing in the strong gusts, particularly for Merlin Rockets where David Winder with Tom Murphy and Nick Heginbotham with Ellie Davies diced for the lead. A special mention should go to 11-year old Evan Parry who raced in a Club Optimist in all 3 races, showing great skill in handling the boat. Also, 15-year old Craig Broadbent, with Adam Din, took out a GP14 and completed 2 races, but was unable to match the experience of Andy Carter with Rana Din.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Races 1 & 3: 1.N Heginbotham/E Davies 2.D Winder/T Murphy 3. B Mager/R Richards
Race 2: 1.D Winder/T Murphy 2.N Heginbotham/E Davies 3.B Mager/R Richards

GP14-
Race 1: 1.C Broadbent/A Din
Race 2: 1.A Carter/R Din 2.C Broadbent/A Din
Race 3: 1.A Carter/M Brennan

Solo-
Race 1: 1.D Smith
Race 2: 1.M Brennan 2. D Smith
Race 3: 1.D Smith

Laser-
Race 1: 1.W Smith

RS Feva-
Race 2: 1.W & A Rowland

Optimist-
All Races: 1.E Parry

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9th March 2014
by Graham Knox

Nine Merlin Rockets graced the Lake on Sunday to race; an excellent early season turnout. David Winder and Pippa Taylor were ready to challenge Steve Crook and Sally Townend. The latter took the first race but lost out after that. Indeed the promising wind and glorious sunshine started the day well but the wind dropped off at times during the afternoon as the thermal conditions changed. In the GP14s, Colin Knott and Richard Long made Martin Brennan and Alistair Knott work hard to win all three races. The light conditions suited Graham Booth in the Solos where Gerald Whitehead borrowed his son’s boat for the first two races.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.D Winder/P Taylor 3.N Heginbotham/R Simmonds
Race 2: 1.D Winder/P Taylor 2.N Brook/R Bramwell 3.M & R Watts
Race 3: 1:D Winder/P Taylor 2.M & R Watts 3.S Crook/S Townend

GP14-
All Races: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.C Knott/R Long

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

Laser-
Race 3: 1.W Smith

RS Feva-
Race 1: 1.C Broadbent/A Din

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2nd March 2014
by Graham Knox

The Lake Sailing Club season started with only the hardiest racers willing to have a go. There were many members around to check on the Club’s improvements. It was a breezy southerly wind with some strong gusts that offered exciting sailing and caught out a few with capsizes. Steve Crook and Sally Townend started where they left off last season with a first race win, ahead of Nick Heginbotham and Jane Clayton in Merlin Rockets. After that race, Julian Parry and Becca Jones joined in and showed the others how to win. Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott tuned up in their GP14 while Oliver Whitehead, who has raced through the winter in his Solo, at Elton, was on devastating form.

Results:
Merlin Rocket-
Race 1: 1.S Crook/S Townend 2.N Heginbotham/J Clayton
Race 2: 1.J Parry/R Jones 2.S Crook/S Townend 3.N Heginbotham/J Clayton
Race 3: 1:J Parry/R Jones

GP14-
Race 1: 1.M Brennan/A Knott
Race 2: 1.M Brennan/A Knott 2.A & E Carter

Solo-
Race 1: 1.O Whitehead
Races 2 & 3: 1.O Whitehead 2.N Hornsby

Optimist-
Race 2: 1.Evan Parry

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