The Notts County Sailing Club First of the Year race is always well attended, and in spite of the dire weather forecasts (yellow warnings etc) which understandably put many off traveling, however there were 26 entries, with visitors from many local clubs. There was some close racing and a few spills, and although it was a little cool all enjoyed the conditions. Race Officer John Sears set a double beat and reaches and runs to provide a very even course for all types of dinghy.

There are several trophies, the Geoff Parker memorial trophy for fast dinghies, the Phil Davis Cup for slower boats, a windsurf and junior trophy.  The day is a charity event and all entries/donations go to a charity, the entrants and spectators donated £288 to Bowel Cancer UK. The winds gusted at 25 mph with an average of 11mph, generally westerly, though there were some wind swings.

The fast fleet and over all winner was Kevin Hope and Andy Stewart from Notts County in a Fireball, beating Craig Williamson from Staunton Harold in an RS Aero by half a point. Further down the fleet saw a mixture of boats from a variety of clubs. In third place was Nigel Potter (Notts County) and Gerry Hannabuss in a Scorpion, then Sam Cox from Chase in a Phantom, Joe Scurrah from Notts County in an Aero, followed by Jamie Mawson in RS600 from Notts County then Jeremy Arnold and John Allen from Notts County in a Flying 15. Only 7.5 points separated the top 7.

The first Junior was James Burton from Notts County, in a brilliant 8^th place, his winter training is obviously paying off.

The Windsurfers saw Gerry Ball from Notts County retain the trophy, but not after a spill that nearly cost him the event. Ian Pilkington was second.

Thanks to all the volunteer Race officials, Safety crew and scorers who make the event possible.

Results