Autumn Series at Hollowell Sailing Club - Weekend 5
by Robin Buxton 22 Oct 2014 22:49 BST
18-19 October 2014
Sudden and swirling gusts of up to 40 mph played havoc in the final days of the Autumn Series at Hollowell last weekend. The winds caused a number of dramatic capsizes and forced a few sailors to retire. Mark Hope broke his mast in Saturday's race. Then on Sunday the McMillans, sailing their Merlin Rocket, also broke a mast.
In spite of the winds, a few sailors battled through and Rob Dunkley and Ian Clarke gained some valuable points, with a first and second position each in the penultimate day of the Saturday Autumn Series. Dunkley now has a slim lead in this Series overall; just ahead of Gerry Burnham and Simon Bickers.
In the Sunday Autumn Series, Ian Clark, Keith Lancaster, Simon Cray, Mike Harding and the Playle Duo battled it out for the top spots in the final day of Sunday Autumn Series. Only nine boats completed the last race, with the rest being forced to retire. Clark succeeded in gaining two first places against his rival Lancaster, however Lancaster's lead in the Series overall was so great, he won the Series for 2014.
Speaking after the Sunday racing, Lancaster commented. "I'm really pleased to have won this Series, especially given the challenging conditions out there today. I'm looking forward to receiving my trophy at the Christmas Party this year."
Next weekend sees the final day of the Saturday Autumn Series, followed by the coveted Ice Tankard Handicap Open Meeting on Sunday.