Article by Des Ashton
The venue for the regatta was Rutland Sailing Club (Rutland Water UK a three thousand acre freshwater manmade lake, the largest in the UK) over the weekend of the 4th – 6th August 2023.
Although the weather forecast was not good, the Sailors and volunteers set forth on a journey of some 150 miles consisting of 3 racing sailors, an assortment of carers’ family and friends, with 6 volunteers.
BSC had decided not to race on the Friday and after arrival utilised the time to clean and rig the boats after a suitable berthing area had been purloined. With the racing sailors scattered across the area in various states of luxurious accommodations the hardy volunteers stayed across the lane from Rutland Sailing club in a field, four under canvas and two in a rather glamorous motor home All pitches made and ablutions concluded these hardy fellows set off for the evening meal and quiz night.
Oh no, shocker, a problem with the booking system meant no food at the inn for Bolton Sailability. Scott Larkin swooped to the rescue and the tented gang rushed back to the field for a super supper prepared by that well known cordon blur chef (Scott) with a stylish dining room by courtesy of Warren and Julie under the awning of their camper van, then a well earned second place by the North Westerners at the quiz. With a Raffle prize win by Laura (a meat delivery from a local butcher), the evening was complete.
The Monsoon deluge started at 4am on Saturday. The torrential rain and strong winds meant that at the morning briefing the first race start was delayed for one hour. The support crew volunteers took the opportunity to get our three boats launched and alongside the assigned pontoon winching position. After getting all our sailors loaded and on their way to a distant start position (up to 45 minutes transit time) we waved off our sailors into the very poor visibility expecting them to be gone for some time as it had been decided to hold three back to back races even in these very challenging conditions.
Much earlier than was expected our team leader spotted Laura heading back in having retired from the racing due to two rigging failures due to the extremely challenging conditions, with the experienced sailors remarking that these conditions would either break the boat or its crew.
We recovered the remaining two boats and crews, de rigged and sought a dry place to remove and try to dry out our foul weather gear, you would have thought we had all been swimming in Rutland water fully dressed. After changing into dry gear it was decided that the planned BBQ would not be held at a rain sodden campsite, but we would all meet up a Saskia and Grahams Log Cabin for the Meat Feast.
Scott Larkin again came to the fore and with all six of the campsite volunteers seated safely and comfortably in his capacious Volvo SUV we set of into the gloom to find Badger Cabin. Warren started cooking - sausages, burgers and chicken thighs. Julie had prepared a bowl of Greek salad, and the cheesecakes were defrosting, and with a full compliment except for Sally who had overexerted herself in the racing with a damaged right shoulder. We all tucked into a well earned feast, a very pleasant evening of food, wine, beer and enchanting conversations was enjoyed amongst friends.
A much quicker journey back to Rutland Sailing Club was followed by the opportunity to witness a most magnificent Firework Display being held close to the shore by Normanton Park the rain had stopped the wind was still blowing. Saturday ended with Hannah getting a 10th in race 4 with the rest either DNC or DNF.
Sunday Morning dawned with a stiff breeze but no rain, even some blue sky and fluffy white cumulus nimbus. A breakfast briefing for the support crew was held under the campervan awning with tea, coffee and bacon rolls provided by Julie.
We had the news that Sally would not be racing, retired injured, so we prepared the remaining two boats and left near the launching slip. Then the morning race briefing in the wet area of the main clubhouse, racing start was again to be delayed by an hour from eleven to twelve. After launching our sailors and assisting with other racers from all across the UK, the boats again set of to the distant racing area, with more visibility but still challenging strength winds it was still difficult even with powerful binoculars to witness what was happening in the racing area. The support crew eagerly awaited news of Bolton Sailing Club Sailability crews. On recovery our sailors had enjoyed a much better day, still challenging but the smiles told all that was needed.
We recovered the boats de-rigged them and prepared for the journey home whilst awaiting the formal results and presentations.
Our sailor’s results:
303 1 person class (12 entries)
Laura Grayless – (R1, 2, 3) DNC. (R4)DNF. (R5) DNC. (R6) 6 th . (R7 ) 5 th Nett score 63
Sally Wallace – (R1, 2, 3,) DNC. (R4, 5)DNF. (R6, 7)DNC. Nett Score 78
303 2 person class (13 entries)
Helm - Hannah Shelmadine, (R1, 2, 3) DNC. (R4)10 th . (R5)7 th . (R6)11 th . (R7)10 th . Nett Score 66
Crew – John Moulton
Our sailors did us proud, a very creditable performance by novices with two single handed sailors at
their first nationals, and Hannah Shelmadine at her second.
