Notts County Sailing Club First of Year Race in aid of RNLI

Notts County Sailing Club's annual First of the Year race is a popular event both on and off the water. This year with it being the 200th year of the RNLI, all donations for entry contributed £311 to the RNLI.

There were 45 entries, 41 dinghies and 4 windsurfers. Whilst many were club members there were visitors from local sailing clubs including Nottingham, Staunton, Burton & Attenborough.

Some of the 40 boats out at the Notts County SC First of Year Race in aid of the RNLI - photo © David Eberlin

Racing started in sunshine with a light wind, enough for a good sail but not too windy. Nicola & Jon Willars, the race officers, set a two beat course using most of the lake, it was quite a sight seeing so many boats stretched out in the sunshine.

Notts County SC First of Year Race in aid of the RNLI - photo © David Eberlin

Jamie Mawson (Notts County) in an RS600 led the fleet overall in the first race, and won on handicap, with Sam Grayton (Notts County) in a Laser finishing second overall, he was also first junior by some distance. Jeremy Arnold & John Allen from the home club were 3rd in their Flying 15.

Joe Scurrah finishes second overall at the Notts County SC First of Year Race in aid of the RNLI - photo © David Eberlin

The next race saw Jamie second overall, so winning overall, and taking the Goeff Parker Memorial trophy, Joe Scurrah (Notts County) won the second race on handicap in his Aero, with Kevin Hope and Andy Stewart, coming in third on handicap in their Fireball. Joe won the Phil Davies Cup for second overall and first Slow handicap boat.

Jamie Mawson in his RS600, overall winner of the Notts County SC First of Year Race in aid of the RNLI - photo © David Eberlin

Sam Grayton was first junior and third overall in a very competitive fleet, second junior was Sam Mason, with Kat Gunn two places behind.

Sam Grayton, first junior at the Notts County SC First of Year Race in aid of the RNLI - photo © David Eberlin

The windsurf fleet saw a smaller entry but some good competition, with Gerry Ball Just winning the first race from Guy Sprekley and Ian Pilkington and Ollie Beadnel not far behind. Gerry winning the racing overall with a first in the second race.

Gerrty Ball leading Guy Sprekley in the windsurf fleet at the Notts County SC First of Year Race in aid of the RNLI - photo © David Eberlin

The Commodore presented the prizes, and Jamie Mawson thanked all the Race crew, safety crew and catering for a great day's racing.

The next event is the start of the Midlands Winter Series, on 27/28th January comprising of racing at four local venues, Notts County, Staunton Harold, Burton and Ogston.

More photos at www.ncsc.org.uk/new-years-day-race-copy-copy

Information on the Midlands Winter Series at www.ncsc.org.uk/midlands-winter-series

Overall Results:

Dinghy Fleet

Windsurf Fleet