Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash Sailing Club

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash © John Nield

Dave Thomas and Shan Stapley, first double-hander - Border Counties Midweek Sailing concludes at Winsford Flash ©D Thomas

Winsford Flash Sailing Club hosted the final round of the 2023 Borders Counties Series. 24 boats (27 sailors) entered with a healthy mix of dinghies including - Comet, Streaker, Miracle, Solo, Supernova, RS100, Laser, Topper and British Moth.

The racing format was three handicap races. Winds were variable ranging from 5 to 12 knots from a shifting westerly direction.

Race officer Jon close got the fleet cleanly from the first start at the southern end of the flash. Pete Coop in his Supernova got out in front with a good lead but on the final beat fell into a hole which allowed the chasing pack to close right up.

Following a short lunch break Race 2 got away cleanly. Lots of place changing and challenging wind shifts resulted in a very tight finish.

With different boats pushing into the podium positions, it was all to play for in the last race. Pete Coop led the pack from start to finish, but well sailed slower boats were always in contention on handicap.

Miracles take first and second doublehander in the Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash - photo © Brian Herring

In the end two Comets pushed into the top three with yet another different boat and helm taking the race on handicap - the Comet of Dave Turtle.

The first Double handed boat was the Miracle of Dave Southwell and Michelle Raines finishing in 10th place Nayth Twiggs was first junior in his Topper.

The wide variety of different podium winners and classes throughout the day is a key feature of the attraction of the Bordersand so no-one knows who has finished where until the handicaps are finalised and this ensures everyone is trying wherever they are on the course.

Dave Turtle as the leading visitor thanked Winsford for putting on a great day's racing. This event brings to an end to the Borders series for 2023.

Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash - photo © John Nield

Final Scores for the overall 2023 series:

1st Pete Coop - Supernova 22pts
2nd Ted Garner - Solo 44pts
3rd Andy Todd - RS100 50.5pts

1st Double hander - Dave Thomas and Shan Stapley - Enterprise/Miracle

1st Junior Nayth Twiggs - Topper

Winsford Flash event results: (Top three boats separated by just 1 point!)

Pete Coop wins event and series overall at the Border Counties Midweek Sailing at Winsford Flash - photo © John Nield