2015 Carsington (Noble Marine) TT Report

From Yachts and Yachting - Courtesy of Tom Baldwin

Carsington Sailing Club in Derbyshire on the 7th of June was the venue for the latest round of the Noble MarineSupernova Travellers series. Although the weekend weather was sunny very high winds had led to the cancellation of Saturday's event at nearby Combs SC. The lone local boat was joined by 27 visitors from as far afield as the River Exe.

Sunday, while still fine, was less windy but there was still a good force 4 from the WNW as the boats set out for the first of two back to back races before lunch. The wide expanse of Carsington water promised to give a great opportunity for the fleet to get in some practise for the Nationals in Paignton in two weeks time.

Race officer Keith Appleby set a triangle/sausage course with the beat right across the full width of the lake.

Race 1

In race 1, Alex Collins lead around the first mark and the early stages of the race with Mike Gibson, Tony Critchley and Tim Hand close behind. On lap 2, Gibson closed up to the back of Collins to battle for first place but Collins was just able to fend him off to the finish line after a tough battle. Tim Hand took 3rd just ahead of Cliff Milliner in 4th and Steve Hawley in 5th.

Race 2

Race 2 was started very quickly as the OD and his team did an excellent job of getting everything in place ready for the second race of the day. At the start of the second race the majority of the fleet bunched up at the committee boat end and were all neck and neck as the boats raced towards the first mark. After starting at the port end of the line, it was Collins who took advantage of a shift on the left side of the beat to once again lead the fleet of Supernovas around the top mark. Just like in the first race, Gibson caught up to the back of Collins and was able to pass at the windward mark. At the next mark however, it was Collins who had once again taken the lead on the reach. At the finish line, Collins and Gibson were followed by Gavin young in 3rd, Milliner in 4th and Hand in 5th.

It was a long beat back to the clubhouse for lunch where the fleet enjoyed refreshments in the glorious sunshine on the patio.

After lunch the wind was from the same direction but had increased slightly and was shifting a bit more.

Race 3

The start of the race race saw a capsize on the startling and a general recall. Once the race was restarted, Gibson lead around the first mark and had established a huge lead by the third leg. Gibson however was being chased down by Cliff Milliner and Gavin Young who were in their own little battle. Behind them, Robin Kirkby, Critchley and Collins were hanging positions up the beat as the shifts cam in from both sides of the course. Near the end of the race, Hand had closed right up to the back of Collins and was able to pass the youth in the closing stages. At the end of the race, Gibson won by a comfortable margin ahead of Milliner in 2nd, Young in 3rd, Hand in 4th and Collins in 5th.

So another victory for Alex Collins of Bolton/Leigh and Lowton proving he is just as good on wide open spaces as was at racing around the islands at Attenbourgh. Mike Gibson of Bartley was second, making sure the younger helms have to work for their glory and inland champion Cliff Milliner third.