The annual Notts County Sailing Club Regatta is a popular annual event, mixing racing for all levels and a social with children’s activities. Whilst nearly 70 pre-entered it was too windy for many who sensibly sat it out. The Novice racing unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the conditions. 

The 2023 Regatta started in fairly benign winds and sunshine for the briefing – it didn’t last long. The first race saw 30 mph gusts, the second race over 34mph. White horses reigned and there was plenty of spectator entertainment.

Well done to all those who completed either race especially the second one. If you didn’t fall in you may as well have done with all the spray around and occasional downpour. 

Sam Grayton from Notts County had a string of firsts winning all the slow handicap races in a Laser, and lifting the overall Commodore’s Cup. In the slow fleet Samantha Mason had a second, third and fourth, beating Chloe Grayton by only a couple of points.

The Juniors saw James Burton win three races and finish on the windiest one of the day, a great result for someone who only completed their start racing course this Easter. 

Meanwhile, in the Fast Fleet, Jamie Mason in his RS600 won every race except the second race on Saturday. He was closely followed by Chris Martin and John Tailby, then Jon & Nicola Willars and our first visitor – Malcolm James from Chew Valley – all in Scorpions.

The windsurfers saw Gerry Ball win with two firsts and seconds, Ian Pilkington was next followed by Guy Spreckley.

In the evening  the bar opened and members and guests enjoyed a hog roast followed by strawberries and cream. The band struck up and played some familiar songs which got many on the dance floor, or at least tapping their feet.

Sunday was a slightly calmer day and many more sailors went out to enjoy some good racing.

The final results saw the slow fleet dominated by 11-15 year olds in lasers who beat the adults due to their highly skilled sailing on the Saturday in high winds. Superb results, well done to Chloe, Sammy and Sam.

In the fast fleet Jamie Mawson prevailed with three firsts.

The Rock and Bunting painting was very popular with the youngsters (and adults) demonstrating their creative skills. Well done to Stirling, Polly, William, Jake and Harry who all won a prize along with Adrian & Pen in the over 16s.

Meanwhile Adrian Jones (jn between doing safety and rock painting) and team were completing an RYA Dinghy level 1 & 2 course, with nine students gaining their certificates. All managing to sail in challenging conditions especially for those starting out. We hope to see you out on the water.

At the prize giving Martin Hart, the Commodore, thanked all who had taken part but especially the volunteer race and safety teams, and the volunteers who stepped in at the last minute to provide much needed additional safety cover.

Results

Overall Commodore’s Cup winner Sam Grayton

Individual race results Junior Fast Slow Windsurfer