Singlehander open meeting at Notts County Sailing Club

The Notts County single handed Open was held in the last weekend in September for RS600, Aero and Solos saw over forty boats taking part with the largest fleet being Solos at the Allen Midland Area Solo Championship.

Ken Twemlow the Race Officer got off to a prompt start, though the wind shifts meant a slight delay to reset the line on the Aero and Solo starts. The light winds and sunshine provided some close racing in the shifty conditions. Saturday evening saw a well attended social.

Jake Willars, second in RS600 fleet - Singlehander open meeting at Notts County - photo © A Beaton

RS600

The RS600 fleet sponsored by Rooster was small but select with eight entrants, and some close racing, Ian Marshall won the first race. however Jamie Mawson, the local national Champion from Notts County SC, who missed the first race due to the AI being shut, made up for lost time, with two firsts in the following two races on saturday. He was late again on Sunday and reached the start line but still finished third in the first race and the second in the final race, meaning he beat Jake Willars, also from Notts County by a point. Jake sailed a really consistent series with first and seconds to count. Third was Will Russell from Grafham.

A beautiful day - Singlehander open meeting at Notts County - photo © A Beaton

Aeros

The final event of the 2024 RS Aero Northern Area Circuit was held at Notts County Sailing Club supported by Rooster Sailing.

Saturday morning saw light and patchy conditions, with the wind increasing into the afternoon but still very shifty. With these conditions sharing the lake with the RS600's and Solos made it interesting.

The race wins on Saturday were shared between the visitors Ian Escritt (Yorkshire Dales) and Craig Williamson (Staunton Harold).

Seconds being shared by Notts County sailors Rebecca Ogden, Hayden Moore and Paul Speirs.

Sunday saw lighter conditions than promised but all five of the scheduled weekend races were completed. Both were convincingly won by the only youth sailor, Hayden Moore, followed by Ian Escritt who had done enough to retain his Saturday lead. Hayden was second followed by Rebecca in third place.

For club member Ari Doel it was not only her birthday but her first open (and nor far off her first sail in the Aero) Ari improved every race and won the endeavour prize.

See a separate Aero report for full results

Brain Fisher, over 80s winner - Singlehander open meeting at Notts County - photo © A Beaton

Solo class

The largest fleet was the Solos at their Allen Midland Area Championships with over 20 entries. The fleet was sponsored by Allen and CB cover store and trailer.

Whilst the furthest travelled had to be Mario from Columbia, it was Brightlingsea's Steve Ede who took the honours with consistent scores of first to fourth in this competitive fleet. He was followed by Ogston SC sailor Martin Honor, and Notts County sailor John Tailby in third.

Linda Instone was First Lady, and special mention must go to Brian Fisher, well into is eighties and finishing every race and coming a respectable 15th, we all hope to still be on the water at Brian's age, he had done the open and being a glutton for punishment went out for the two club class races after.

The prize-giving was held early afternoon allowing the visitors to set off early, some had quite a few hours travelling to get home.

Prizewinners - Singlehander open meeting at Notts County - photo © A Beaton

RS600 Results:

Solo Results: