Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

Photo: Graham Knox

The access dinghies prepare to start a race

Sunday’s (26 June) racing at the lake was meant to be a special day of racing for the annual Founders Plate. However, the weather decided otherwise and in the strong westerly wind only two sailors ventured to race. The forecast had warned of strong winds.

Young Jasper Bramwell showed how well he could cope in his Topper, while Nick Hornsby, in a Solo, lost out with a capsize. The event will now be rescheduled.

On Tuesday, the club welcomed visitors aged over 50 to a midweek series of travellers' events with three races. Again the wind was stronger than some could manage but 12 boats turned out.

This included three helms with disabilities who generally sail Access dinghies. Rochdale East Rotary Club donated one of these boats to the Water Activity Centre at the Lake a few years ago with its bright yellow sails, named Gracie.

Another competitor had travelled from Glasgow to take part in his red sailed Access dinghy. Rory McKinna has travelled in Europe with his boat winning many competitions. He finished 6th overall on handicap on this occasion.

The overall winner was Andy Flitcroft from Bolton sailing a Supernova, beating local Nick Hornsby in a Solo by one point.