First of Year 2023
Notts County SC First of the Year in aid of Young Lives v Cancer
The annual First of the Year race at Notts County Sailing Club had well over forty entries with from all over the Midlands. The Geoff Parker Memorial trophy and Phil Davies Memorial Trophy, along with a Junior and Windsurf trophies were up for grabs.
The entry was a donation to charity the Commodore chose Young lives v Cancer and over £350 was raised on the day, thanks to all who donated.
The forecast was for some strong winds, sunshine and mild, whilst there were some gusts the actual winds were less than forecast and whilst there were quite a few spills it was good sailing weather and much warmer than earlier in December.
After an early briefing racing was under way spot on 11.30 with the windsurfers all from Notts County got off to a good start, Guy Sprekley won the first race with Gerry Ball winning the second followed by Oliver Beadnall, Gerry taking the overall trophy. Ken Twemlow the race officer set an interesting course with a long beat, runs and reaches.
The dinghies were split into fast and slow handicap starts with the results amalgamated after the racing. The fast handicap saw Kevin Hope and Andy Stewart in a Fireball from Notts county win the first race with Sam Mettam from Papercourt in an Aero second, the following race saw overall positions swapped making Sam the overall winner with the Geoff Parker trophy, Kevin & Andy winning the Phil Davies Trophy both on 3 points.
The next few places came from the fast fleet with Jeremy Arnold and John Allen from Notts county 3rd in a Flying 15 on equal points with Jamie Mawson in an RS600 in forth. Chris Martin (Midland) and John Tailby (Notts County) took their merlin to 5th with joe Scurrah 6th in an Aero.
The first Junior, Katherine Gunn from Notts County, in a topper was not far behind coming in 8th overall with Samantha Mason second and Cloe Grayton third junior. The junior racing was close with the three toppers close together for much of the racing.
Thanks to all the volunteers on the committee boat, safety boats and other volunteers, without whom the event doesn’t run.
Results:
