Hansa Class UK Traveller Trophy Series Round 6 at Northampton Sailing Club
by Robert McIntrye 26 Aug 09:13 BST
27 July 2024
UK Hansa TT at Northampton © Robert McIntrye
The Hansa TT Traveller Series returned to Pitsford Reservoir in Northamptonshire, with 4 classes totalling 24 boats and 29 sailors plus one sea dog!
Not for the first time at Pitsford, the wind kept everyone guessing, varying between flat calm and (just!) F5, but also veering and backing seemingly at random, especially in the afternoon session. Luckily some forecast afternoon rain never appeared.
Incredibly three of the four classes had to be decided by the ISAF Appendix A8.2 "best recent scores" rule, as the first two boats in each class had equal points. Close racing indeed.
The morning races went well, Race 1 had a particularly great start for the 303 one-person class, with most of the fleet crossing the start line together. Race 2 saw the wind veer Westerly late in the race, but no dramas.
In the afternoon, the course was shortened in anticipation of less wind as the sky clouded-over. Indeed the start of Race 3 was delayed by the total absence of any wind at all.
A Safety boat radioed "there's no wind at sea", a curious remark as Pitsford is about as far from the sea as one can get in the UK, but this turned out to be "there's no wind a (buoy) C"!
The windward mark got moved twice before racing could commence some 25 minutes late.
Luckily for all, the wind had returned. Race 3 saw more great racing with one 303 crew losing third place right on the line. The final race saw the wind play yet more tricks, strengthening to F4/5 halfway through and moving about too.
In the Hansa 2.3 class, Lindsay Burns made a clean sweep of 3 races to take the day's honours.
The Hansa 303 one-person class was keenly fought by Rory McKinna and Jazz Turner; at day's end, they had equal scores, so the best recent score rule had to be used, giving Rory the overall win. Some would argue that Jazz's performance was the better, since her boat had the added weight of Phoebe, the sea dog (see photo).
The Hansa two-person class was won by Lynn Swann and Stuart, but again only through the best recent score rule as Philip Hall and Denise Bryant were on equal points. Third place went to local Paula Roddy partnered with Frensham's Mike Everitt.
Controversy was avoided in the Liberty class, the initial result failing to allow for the best recent score rule. First and Second place were reversed on the podium, after Chris Emmet insisted that it was Dave Durston who won. True sportsmanship.
Many thanks due to all volunteers from Northampton Sailability and Northampton Sailing Club for making the day a success, especially Sarah for the amazing cakes afterwards.
Full results can be found here.