ILCA Training and Super Grand Prix Open at Hollowell

Club Laser/ILCA Open at Hollowell © Richard Sturt

The weekend training and racing was called a Super Grand Prix due to being a special two day event with UKLA paying the two instructors.

There were 10 sailors in total for the training (7 HSC, 3 visitors). Mike Harding and Rachel Heggs were the instructors; plus George Panter from Trent Valley S/C with his drone.

Winds were strong with gusts of 30mph, Westerly. What could have been worse? Two of the guys were GB National sailors: WOW!, really nice boys, yes Boys in my eyes. I think it was George who let me pass him in training; made my day.

Mike showed us, on land, how the sail reacts to the wind when adjusting the controls. Also how much downhaul and kicker you can put on. I for one was not using enough when going upwind. Plenty of kicker makes the boat more controllable in strong winds.

Mike did a cracking job of improving our reaction skills by setting us a short M course, making us adjust the controls, just before the mark, ready for the next leg. It was exhausting.

Club Laser/ILCA Open at Hollowell - photo © Richard Sturt

George used his drone so we could watch some footage after lunch. We could see what we were doing wrong and how we could improve.

Back out on the water; I was doing downwind gybes, which were going reasonably well, until I did not duck quickly enough and getting knocked into the water with a cut above my eye. With blood filling the reservoir, I retired and was given first aid; thank you ladies for that. Good old sterri-strips, worked a treat.

One of the juniors, Ezra, age 14 braved the day, he did very well; definitely one to watch in the future.

Overall it was a great day with lots to think about and improve on. Thanks to the instructors and George. Thanks to the UKLA for sponsoring the training.

ILCA Super Grand Prix Open (organized by Richard Mason and Mary Mallard)

Competitors: 12 HSC and 8 visitors

It was good to see some old friends and new ones arrive at the club in spite the wind predictions of a strong Westerly with 30mph gusts.

D.O. Pete Jackson did a great job of controlling us all, setting good courses and helping the day run smoothly.

Thanks to the duty crew for their efforts running the races and putting results in sail wave. Thank you also to the rescue crews and the Galley crew.

I was so pleased with 3 Hollowell juniors wanting to join in the races. They had not raced in a Laser before and did amazingly well. I think they will find the Toppers too slow now and want their parents to buy them a LASER. We had 7 sailors under21: brilliant! These young people are the clubs future and I wish them well.

Club Laser/ILCA Open at Hollowell - photo © Richard Sturt

Pete set a great course using most of the reservoir. The wind was gusty and swirly but with no wind holes (generally, where I was sailing). I think it was more manageable, allowing you to have a breather before the next gust.

Three races were completed by most of the competitors with first place going to John Ling. Well done John! Results below.

Loads of Prizes were given out with a special mention to Rooster for donating some great prizes.

Overall it was a great week-end, particularly seeing old friends from other clubs coming to enjoy Hollowell hospitality and friendship. These Open meeting events encourage the youngsters to join in and be a part of a great class of boat, the Laser / ILCA.

Overall Results: