The event was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid crisis, but was resumed this year. Whilst the
event normally attracts around 75 teams, organisers decided to keep the number of teams limited to
50 whilst they re-built the capacity to run the event. Even so it is estimated that there were over
600 competitors and many hundreds more supporters and volunteers making it by far the largest
dinghy sailing event in the UK.
The team consited of Sam Platt, Chris Jobson, Chris Aubrey, Andy Flitcroft, Zena Martin, Paddy Lambton and Mark Platt. Leanne Pilkington managed the administrative side of the race and Mark Platt ran the sailing side of the race It proved to be a successful formula for management of the team. Mark also lent his boat and sails for the event. Shore side help was provided by Leanne and Carol Pilkington, Chris and Julie Waddington and Andrew and Arthur Craig.
Many of the Teams were local, kindred sailing clubs such as Elton, Leigh & Lowton, Hollingworth
Lake, Wigan, Dovestones (Oldham), Budworth, Winsford, Scammonden Water, Crosby, Southport,
Blackpool & Fleetwood, WLYC, Royal Windermere.
The wind held for the whole race and was a shifty north easterly with a beat the length of the lake
up the clubhouse side, a run down the town side and a short, patchy beam reach across the south of
the lake. Budworth A Team won a much deserved victory which was their first in the competition.
South Staffordshire came second lead by ex-Bolton sailor Mike Senior. Bolton came a very
creditable fifth, winning The Delmar Bell for 5 th Overall and The Lancashire Evening Post Trophy for
the leading Lancashire Club.
Race Report - Mark Platt
