Notts County Cooler - first event of the Midlands Winter Series

The County Cooler lived up to its name with a cool breeze both days, along with sunshine. With 52 entrants from clubs throughout the Midlands there as a good variety of dinghies, along with 9 windsurfers.

The dinghy fleet was split into two with a fast and slow dinghy handicap and windsurfers. Saturday started with an overcast light wind race, a pause for lunch and then a stronger wind race and some sunshine. Sunday was forecast stronger winds, which didn't materialise, it was a little warmer and two handicap races were followed by a pursuit race to finish.

Sixteen year old Sam Grayton wins the Notts County Cooler - photo © David Eberlin

Sam Grayton, from Notts County, a talented sixteen year old youth in a laser won the first two races and final race, with constant results he won overall, with a ten point lead against a high quality fleet of local sailors. His 12 year old sister Chloe was 7th overall against the adults, both are ones to watch in the future.

The racing was close with only three points separating 2nd to 4th, there was no room for error at the top of the fleet.

Craig Williamson second in the Notts County Cooler - photo © David Eberlin

In second place was Craig Williamson from Staunton in an Aero followed closely by Jamie Mawson from Notts County in an RS600. Chris Martin and John Tailby were next in a Merlin, just 2 points from second place.

Gerry Ball windsurf winner and Jamie Mawson 3rd overal at the Notts County Cooler - photo © David Eberlin

The windsurfers saw Gerry Ball win all the races, but that doesn't quite tell the story, on Sunday Guy Sprekley was 3 seconds behind on one race and they had some good battles. Olly Bednall was second overall having consistently sailed well over the two days and Ian Pilkington third. there was a good contingent on Sunday from Burton with Sam, Tian and Willow being awarded prizes, great to see some young talent in the windsurfing fleet as well.

More photos at www.ncsc.org.uk/county-cooler-24

Prize winners at the Notts County Cooler - photo © David Eberlin

The series continues on 10-11th February at Staunton Harold SC, shsc.org.uk followed by 17-18th February at Burton SC www.burtonsailingclub.co.uk and the final is on 24-25th February at Ogston SC, www.ogstonsc.org details on the individual clubs websites. Members of the club sail for free and visitors from other clubs are welcome to join in for a fee.

Overall Results:

Dinghy Fleet

Windsurfer Fleet