Notts County SC First of the Year Race in aid of Young Lives vs 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 vs Cancer and over £350 was raised on the day.

Richard Mason at speed during the Notts County SC First of the Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

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.

Ollie Beadnall, second windsurfer in the Notts County SC First of the Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

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.

Kevin Hope and Andy Stweart, fast fleet winner and sceond overall in the Notts County SC First of the Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

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 of the Geoff Parker trophy, Kevin & Andy winning the Phil Davies Trophy both boats on 3 points.

Jeremy Arnold and John Allen finish 3rd in the Notts County SC First of the Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

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 (Carsington) 6th in an Aero.

Katherine Gunn, winner of Junior Trophy and 8th overall in the Notts County SC First of the Year Race - photo © David Eberlin

The first Junior Katherine Gunn, in a Topper was not far behind coming 8th overall with Samantha Mason next and Cloe Grayton third junior. The junior racing at the top was close with the three Toppers close together for much of the racing.

After a pause for the results prize-giving took place.

Plenty of more photos www.ncsc.org.uk/first-year

The Midlands mini series starts in a couple of weeks at Burton SC (14/15th Jan) followed by Notts County (28/29th Jan) and Staunton (18/19th Feb) and finally Ogston (25/26th Feb) all are welcome, paid up members from each club enter free and it's a great way to keep racing before the spring series starts. Some details are here www.ncsc.org.uk/county-cooler-2, see also the individual clubs websites.

Overall Results: