Craftinsure Supernova Northern Traveller Series at Ogston Sailing Club

Craftinsure Supernova Northern Traveller Series at Ogston © Eric Green

In just three years, the Ogston Supernova open meeting has established itself as one of the top events in the Craftinsure Travellers' Series. This year, a bumper turnout of thirty boats enjoyed a brilliant day of champagne sailing in fresh winds and sunshine.

The fleet was highly competitive, featuring two former National champs, a former Inland champ, the current Travellers' champ and local sailor Martin Honnor, borrowing a Supernova, who was fresh from coming second at the Solo Inlands the previous week. We hope he sees the light soon!

The first race got under way cleanly, with Gav Young enjoying a good lead at the first mark. Meanwhile, it was tight in the peloton, with Matt Thursfield, Martin Honnor and Alex Reeve vying for position. The wind was switchy and gusty, proving challenging up the beat, but the planing reaches made the effort worthwhile.

As the wind dropped a fraction, Martin and Alex pulled away from Matt and started to encroach on Gav's lead, but in the end, he was comfortable, with Alex leading Martin over the line for second and third respectively. Racing was close throughout the fleet, with lots of place changing in the shifty conditions.

After an excellent lasagne, the fleet went out for the second race in slightly more wind. The left side of the beat was paying, and Matt carved his way through to take a good lead, while Mike Gibson, Andy Gomm, Gav and Martin chased. Gav pulled through into second place, closing on Matt on the downwind legs, but it wasn't enough. Matt took a solid win, followed by Gav, Martin, Andy and Mike.

There were a few capsizes in the fleet and the rescue teams did great work.

For the third race, in slightly reduced winds, it was all to play for, with any of Gav, Matt and Alex still able to win overall. However, Matt and Alex went the wrong way up the first beat and landed themselves deep in the pack. Ady Davis led initially, whooping as he rounded the first mark, but Gav soon took over, from Ady, Mike Gibson, Mike Heap and Martin, with Alex recovering to get into the mix.

It was snakes and ladders, but Gav continued to choose mostly ladders, while Alex battled through into second place and Matt overtook half the fleet to get up to third. Alex and Matt were closing on Gav at times, but it was never quite enough. Gav took the win, with Alex second and Matt third, followed by Martin and Mike Gibson.

Craftinsure Supernova Northern Traveller Series at Ogston - photo © Eric Green

Overall, it was a tremendous day's sailing, with Gav Young taking a well-deserved win, followed by Matt, Alex and Martin. The first Mk1 was Phil Hind, first female and first youth was Matilda Harrison, and the beginner's prize went to Daisy Ross, who'd only been in a Supernova once before and sailed bravely in the conditions.

Many thanks to Ogston SC for a great event, and we look forward to more of the same next year!

Overall Results: