Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

 Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club welcomed visitors from as far as the South Coast last weekend (22 & 23 October) to compete for the annual Merlin Rocket Class Felucca Trophy. This, despite the low water level, was a happy return for a long established event and 16 boats raced in ideal conditions on the Saturday.

The first race in blustery conditions was led by locals Steve Crook and Sally Townend, soon overtaken by Matt Biggs and Becca Jones from the Midlands and former HLSC member Richard Whitworth with Jemima Scroggie from Parkstone. This set the pattern for the day’s racing. There was a change of lead in the third race when, due to a navigational error, Richard Whitworth was disqualified giving the win to Steve Crook and Sally Townend.

Sunday was very different with heavy rain and an easterly wind. Matt Biggs again won the fourth race which gave him the overall result and he and crew chose not to contest the fifth race. The rain did ease and the battle was now joined by local Nick Heginbotham with Justine Davenport who had the early lead which they lost to Richard Whitworth and Steve Crook who finished first and second.

Overall Matt Biggs was a clear winner, with Richard Whitworth as runner up followed by Steve Crook. A number of the club’s junior sailors gained valuable experience crewing in the event.