Northern Travellers Solo Open 2023
Published 20:12 on 22 Oct 2023
The penultimate round of the 2023 Northern Travellers Solo Championship took place at Budworth Sailing Club on Saturday, 7th October. The event attracted 24 entries including 10 visitors from various clubs around the region and took the format of 1 race before lunch followed by 2 back to back races in the afternoon.
Sailing conditions were perfect with a southerly breeze and warm sunshine allowing PRO Jon Chapman assisted by ARO Wendy Martin, to set excellent 2 beat/long reach courses.
First place for the event was taken by Martin Honnor of Ogston SC who won all three races, closely followed by Burwain SC's Innes Armstrong and Steve Denison representing the RYA, taking third spot. Philip Barnes was the highest placed Budworth sailor in fourth.
During all 3 races, there was lively competition between Budworth sailors down the order. Tony Sampson scored an excellent third in the first race, whilst Ted Garner, Mark Antonelli and Steve Hubbard performed consistently throughout the day to secure top ten placings overall.
The following group saw numerous changes in order over the 3 races with Iain Boyes ultimately coming out on top, closely followed by Clive Pickering, Paul Clancy, Mike Martin and Roger Barnes.
Overall it was a highly successful and enjoyable day helped by the warm temperature and adequate wind strength. Our congratulations to all the winners and special thanks to PRO/ARO Jon Chapman and Wendy Martin who coped admirably with the changing wind directions, along with rib crews Steve Hayward, James Prestwich and Dave Morris. Thanks also to Alison and Pauline for providing an excellent lunch and Jackie Purvis for running the bar after the races.