Laser/ILCA open meeting at Hollowell Sailing Club

by Mary Mallard 13 Jul 2022 20:44 BST 3 July 2022

Laser/ILCA open meeting at Hollowell © Paul Mallard

At 9am the first visitor's boat arrived and I greeted everyone with the offer of a hot drink; this small gesture, along with a hearty welcome, makes a big difference.

Sandwiches and wraps were donated by GREENCORE by way of a Laser sailor Darren, which went down well, as there were only 2 packs left. The galley did not have to do any cooking at all. Five cakes were donated by club members.

The Duty Crew was DO Pete Jackson and ADO Mike Harding, plus two on rescue boats and two on Galley.

Over the next hour and a half nine visitors arrived as well as eight Hollowell members. This was three less than last year but some clubs have only been getting 10-12 entrants, or having to cancel due to low numbers. Richard Mason, the series organiser, was very pleased with the turnout.

Having organised the Open at Hollowell for three years now, I see familiar faces who say they love coming to Hollowell because it is so friendly and they have a good day out.

The briefing was at 10.30 by Pete with an explanation of where the buoys were on the water (the wooden map of the area is very handy for this)

First race - 11.00 am and NO WIND; mirror on the water. Depending where you were on the water, you got the little gusts that came and went. At Nasby buoy, I and one other had stopped, only to see those behind coming towards us and overtaking us.

Lunch - We were treated to a flyby by two Spitfires - Brilliant! Also, I gave out chocolate quiz sheets to compete in groups, which encouraged those on their own to get together.

Race two - a squall came over with white horses and rain. Boats were capsizing all over the place, thank you to the rescue boats for that race.

Race three - the wind had settled down to an enjoyable level and good racing ensued. Jenny Sturt passed me on the second lap and that was that - she was off.

Laser/ILCA open meeting at Hollowell - photo © Paul Mallard

James Avery and I presented the prizes. John Ling thanked everyone and said what a friendly, welcoming, light-hearted club Hollowell is and that he enjoys coming each year.

Thanks to all who helped on the day.

Prizes awarded:

1st and first Master (over 45) - John Ling, Bartly SC
2nd - R Mason, NCSC
3rd - George Freeday, ELSC
First Junior - Sam Loubridge
First Lady and Hollowell Sailor - Jenny Sturt, HSC
There was also a prize for Ilana Davis, Midland SC for perseverance

Overall Results:

Pos	Rig	Sail No	Helm	Club	Rating	Elapsed	Corrected
1	STD	219662	John Ling	Bartley SC	1100	51:30:00	00:46:49
2	STD	211259	R Mason	NCSC	1100	52:01:00	00:47:17
3	STD	213608	George Freeday	ELSC	1100	52:05:00	00:47:21
4	STD	208674	Neil Crosby	Bowmoor	1100	53:41:00	00:48:48
5	RADIAL	218156	Sam Loubridge	N/A	1147	63:36:00	00:55:27
6	STD	136527	David Warren	Bosworth	1100	61:45:00	00:56:08
7	RADIAL	198879	Jenny Sturt	Hollowell	1147	64:29:00	00:56:13
8	RADIAL	154837	Mary Mallard	Hollowell	1147	64:34:00	00:56:18
9	STD	186067	Mike Homer	Midland SC	1100	61:59:00	00:56:21
10	STD	132190	Andy Carrol	Hollowell	1100	62:34:00	00:56:53
11	STD	189068	Henry Avery	Hollowell	1100	63:52:00	00:58:04
12	STD	88665	David Taggart	Hollowell	1100	64:03:00	00:58:14
13	STD	169056	Brian Rogers	Hollowell	1100	64:24:00	00:58:33
14	RADIAL	214110	Andy Allan	Trimply SC	1147	68:17:00	00:59:32
15	RADIAL	121986	Ilana Davis	Midland SC	1147	68:31:00	00:59:44
16	STD	42192	Rob Watkinson	Hollowell	1100	68:26:00	01:02:13