CraftInsure Supernova NORTHERN 2026 Traveller Series Open

Report

Supernova Northern Traveller Series meeting at Winsford Flash Sailing Club (WFSC)  – Cheshire, Saturday 13th June 2025

By Ian Coverdale (WFSC Supernova Fleet Capt) 14^th June 2025

Supernova Open

With a forecast for a north westerly F4 gusting F5/6 the sailing event looked like it would be challenging from the off.

The club is in the centre of the county of Cheshire and sails on a 90 acre lake fed by the river Weaver and at the head of the Weaver Navigation in the picturesque area of Cheshire known as ‘The Cheshire Broads’. On the day the event attracted 11 boats, with 7 visitors travelling to the club.

Race Officer Paul Lennie assisted by Carlos Ellis held the race briefing, explaining sailing instructions and the racing area, identifying the configuration of marks and known shallow areas at the NW-N side of the Flash where the river enters the Flash.

Winsford Flash Sailing Club (WFSC) welcomed visitors from North Lincs SC. Chelmarsh SC, Shotwick Lake SC. Blithfield SC. Girton SC and Cotswold SC to the WFSC stage of the Craftinsure Supernova Northern Traveller Series. WFSC would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who made the journey to Winsford to help make this a successful day.

Race 1

The first race Started at 11 am with no false starts or infringements at the line. 11 Competitors got off to a great first beat towards windward mark (2) despite the events first capsize prior to the start.

As the race developed, boats became well-spaced out but there was still plenty of close competitive racing. The brisk breeze and gusts lead to a total of 11 capsize events which kept the Winsford safety crews busy.

In the end it was Matt Thursfield (Chelmarsh) who took line honours for the first race followed by Will Crocker (North Lincs) and James Stark (Shotwick)

There was a well-earned break for lunch provided by the SN fleet with serving assistance from, Rebecca Coverdale & Claudie Black (The galley team) who put on a fantastic hot lunch of beef chilli or vegetarian 3-bean chilli with baked potatoes, with a selection of home-made cakes as dessert, with tea of coffee.           

Race 2

Started at around 1pm with the same course set by the Race Officer. Wind strength prevailed for the afternoon leading to a further 6 capsize events from only 9 boats starting. The race leaders were again Matt Thursfield and Will Crocker, but this time it was Will to pass the line in first, beating Matt to second. Third place saw Duncan Cheshire (Chelmarsh) followed closely by Eric Hasseldon (WFSC).

Race 3

Wind fatigue claimed 3 more competitors leaving 6 hardy sailors to start race 3. Despite reduced numbers the racing remained competitive despite a further 6 capsize events in this final race of the day. Finishing first and overall winner of the event was Will Crocker, this time followed by James Stark (2^nd) and Eric Hasseldon. (3^rd)

Race Summary

Overall there was good competition between the all competitors and the battle for 1^st 2^nd and 3^rd was faught closely. Eric Hesseldon (4^th) missed the podium by 2 points.

Congratulations to Will Crocker on achieving the overall first place at the event. 

Closing comments and thanks

The day was concluded by prize-giving and a very welcome afternoon tea and additional cake or biscuits for all.

Comments received after the day were positive with participants all saying that it had been a great day on the water.

Many thanks went to the race team, safety crews, and galley team whom all did a stellar task of operations behind the scenes and on the water to ensure a successful event. 

Prizes were presented by Peter Chambers (WFSC Comadore).