West Lancs YC 2006

Leigh & Lowton Juniors went travelling -
Another Blustery Day at West Lancs

Another Saturday and a short drive across Lancashire to Southport, the home of West Lancs Yacht Club - the kids are getting better at the geography of the region, one asked if we were going North or South, I had to think twice myself, we have visited all parts of the North West during this series. The forecast was for the strong winds that kept us awake overnight to subside to a bright, breezy but sailable day. Yet again the North West Junior Travellers Trophy had attracted a fantastic turnout, from 7 different clubs there were 42 boats rigging in the dinghy park, 6 Lasers/Radials/4.7's, 32 Toppers (wow!!) & 4 Optimists.

So - the first race around the islands was set for 10:30, looked to be a good course & the assembled sponsors, taxi drivers & advisors (parents) were going to be treated to some close action as the fleet made its way towards the foreshore in front of the clubhouse - a rare treat - its a shame that Mike Barnes was not there, Laura in particular had a storming first beat - indeed a storming first race - her final position being diluted by the 6 class local Laser sailors. Some of the front running Topper sailors helped those further back by once again heading in the wrong direction (whoops!). The first race went on for quite some time, the kids came ashore for a very quick breather whilst some dinghies were rescued then it was straight out for a 2nd race before lunch. Quote of the day no1 "that stoopid weather forecast man said the wind was going to get lighter" nice one Martin - as the wind strength at 12:00 reached 25mph (Blackpool Airport) with some fearsome gusts. Still he went out & as the other Optimists had bathtime events as the gun went, Martin arrived at the windward mark in fine style, his bathtime came on the downwind leg!. Chris Wheeler had a more terminal event on the downwind leg as his mast gave way - his dad must have been a boy scout (be prepared!) as a spare mast was to hand & the day was not entirely ruined.

Some of the chaps had a chuck about with Elliots rugby ball at lunchtime, it was bound to end in tears with an offshore F6 blowing the ball into the lake, not to worry Elliot headed off towards his boat to go out & rescue it. He was seen to stop next to Rachels Optimist & looked like he was going to borrow that for rescue purposes, next thing we see is Rachel making the skilfull rescue herself, it was quite a feat slowing down from planing speed to scoop up the ball.

The Capsize king appeared on form, on setting off for the last race he managed a whole 20 yards (metres to the kids) before assuming his normal posture clinging onto his upturned hull - he really is very very practised in retrieving from this position & this shows. He finished one race way behind the leaders but showed such determination to finish in quite trying conditions that he was awarded a special prize by the race committee at the end of the day. Whilst Ann Baldwin was not in attendance she did send one of her now legendary cakes to eat with a cup of tea, I missed out but have been told of the magnificent Ginger Cake in much detail!!. Katlyn Green has been improving noticably over the last few months and this culminated in a 4th position in race 3 (in real terms this was 1st Topper) & best result by a Leigh & Lowton sailor in this event - fantastic sailing Katlyn - keep it up.

It was interesting to see Sarah, who chose to sail with her smaller 4.2 sail, was able to sail really competitively, she finished 2nd Leigh & Lowton member & managed to stay upright whilst concentrating on pointing the boat in the right direction rather than fighting to keep it upright!. Lucy chose not to sail her Optimist on this occasion, preferring to accept the attractive offer of some retail therapy on Lord Street (with 50p clinking in her pocket - and she came back with 1p change)

This has been an epic series, a lot of wind & an enormous amount of experience has brought visible improvements in the sailing abilities of those that take part, not just those at the front but there has been improvement in ability & confidence throughout the fleet. Well done to Daisy who had led the handicap fleet in this series from day one back in April, she was overtaken on the last day by the skilfull sailing of the Hanson Brothers so finished in a fine 3rd position & 2nd under 14, Lucy won the Optimist fleet in commanding style with 5 event wins. Leigh & Lowton juniors occupy 5 of the top 12 handicap places & 13 of the 33 qualifiers come from our club. Well done to Daisy, Sophie, Katlyn, Sarah, Laura, Gideon, Andrew Green, Alice, Tom, Andrew Price & Chris Wheeler from the handicap fleet & Lucy, Martin & Chris Barnes from the Optimist fleet.

The prizegiving was awash with prizes & whilst no-one went empty handed some did rather better than others in the end of season raffle (Mr Barnes!!), a big well done & a massive vote of thanks must go to Andy & Heather Millington who have, behind the scenes, worked all season to ensure that everyone enjoys this series - I can vouch for the fact that everyone has enjoyed it, 42 boats showing up on a cold & blustery October morning is clear evidence.

Next Race - Probably Elton - around the 1st April 2007.

Overall Results at HANDICAP - OPTIMIST

NWJTT 2006 Website - Map of where we have been & reports 2006 Juniors on Tour

Leigh & Lowton Qualifiers

The Fleet

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