Fbe North West - Sailing Day
Friday, 24th June 2011
There were 30 competitors taking part in the fbe North West Sailing day on June 22nd. The rain cleared as everybody arrived at the Trafford water sports centre and the sun came out for the day and it stayed that way, albeit with a few clouds. The sailors split into groups according to their ability and the novices received instruction from a team instructors who sent them out onto the water in Picos and Laser funs. The morning wind was perfect and 5-10 knots of breezes was ideal for the beginners as they very quickly got to grips with the boats and sailed around the lake. There were a few swims.
The more advanced sailors had a session on boat handling and racing tactics before taking to the water in RS Fevas and then racing amongst themselves while they got used to the boats and the very shifty wind.
After a break for lunch the teams gathered around the boats and the plan was for some team racing. It was evident that due to the increase in the wind this was going to be an ambitious format. The sailors took to the water and carnage prevailed with some vicious gusts capsizing most of the boats. The teams returned to the shore and plan B was hatched.
The teams split into 3 groups according to their sailing ability; novices, intermediates and experts and a course was set with 2 heats and a final in each group
The wind was still strong but remained steady and over the course of the next 3 hours the races were held and the winners were decided.
There were some pretty gutsy performances from the non sailors, some of whom had never been in a boat before the day and according to the instructors it was about as windy as it ever gets at the sailing centre.
The final placings were as follows;
Novices final
1. Sarah Moulson (White Circle)
2. Ian Cowley (Hoare Lea)
3. Neil Griffiths (Baker Mallet) and Natalie Hill (TWBA)
4. Dave Shumacher (Curtins) & Alan Robson (Innov8)
5. Dan Shields (AA Projects) & Abbey Chicken (Rider Hunt)
Intermediate final
1. Rob Orchard (Cyril Orchard Group)
2. Paul Murray (Robertsons)
3. Mike Gilmartin (Omega Fire)
4. Steve Cartwright (Shepherd Gilmour)
5. Peter Valkenburg (Walker Sime)
Expert final
1. Richard Parr (Parr & Co)
2. Paul Johnson (UK Land & Property)
3. Stephen Gleave (Taylor Young)
4. Jon Sime (Walker Sime)
5. Gavin Sorby (Buttress Fuller)
6. Sue Sloan (Claremont)
It had been a great day for sailing and also in true fbe fashion, a great day for networking and making new friends in the industry
Photo of the winners
Left to right; Sarah Moulron, Richard Parr (the overall winner), Rob Orchard