11/06/2026
Series close…
Time flies when you are having fun! And the current three racing series are coming to the end. Racing secretary Simon Dolman sums things up as we head into the final races:
As we bring the Spring Series, Summer Afternoon Handicap and Windward Twilight Series to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on what has been a fantastic period of racing and to thank everyone who has contributed to making it such a success.
Firstly, congratulations to all competitors. We have enjoyed some excellent racing across all three series, with strong turnouts, close competition and encouraging participation from both experienced racers and those newer to the sport. It has been particularly pleasing to see newer racers such as Stuart, Silvia, Paul, Nick, Brian, Dave and Claire making significant progress throughout the season, with many demonstrating that commitment can lead to much improvement on the race course....none more so than Judith who has only been racing for a few seasons and is showing great improvement week on week - watch out at the top!!
There have also been some standout performances. Phil Watson has dominated, but many other strong performances throughout the fleet have helped create some highly competitive racing. The mixed fleet continues to provide plenty of challenges and opportunities for sailors of all abilities and it is encouraging to see everyone pushing themselves while maintaining the friendly and supportive atmosphere that makes our racing so enjoyable.
The Race Sub-Committee remains keen to hear ideas from racers regarding future formats and handicap systems, including personal handicap racing and other initiatives that help ensure enjoyable and competitive racing for everyone.
Looking ahead, racers will have a choice of format for the next afternoon series beginning on the 21st June. Please make sure you register your preference via the Racing WhatsApp poll.
Prize Giving:
Prize presentations for the three completed series will take place immediately following the morning races on Sunday 21st June.
Awards to be presented include:
George Forster Memorial Plaque Windward Twilight Series
Cheshire Shield Spring Series
Brian Farrer Memorial Shield Spring Handicap PM Series
One Up Cup Awarded (by Race Sub-committee) to the sailor demonstrating exceptional performance
Thank You to Our Volunteers.
While the racing often takes centre stage, none of it would be possible without the dedicated volunteers who give up their time week after week to make racing happen. A huge thank you goes to all those who have served on race duties, operated safety boats, assisted with race management, recorded results, set courses and helped behind the scenes throughout the season. Whether planned well in advance or stepping in at short notice, your willingness to help ensures that everyone can enjoy safe and competitive racing. We are also extremely grateful to Andy Duncan and Paul Beaton and any non-racers who have volunteered their time to support race operations and to Sara for stepping in at very short notice to crew the safety boat despite already completing her volunteer commitments for the season - your help is invaluable and very much appreciated!
Special Recognition.
I would particularly like to recognise two people whose contributions often happen quietly in the background but are absolutely central to the success of our racing programme.
Dot has once again provided a fantastic galley service throughout the season. The food, drinks and warm welcome she provides have become a vital part of race days, creating a place where sailors can gather, discuss the day's racing, share experiences and enjoy each other's company. The galley is much more than somewhere to grab a bacon bap or a cup of tea—it is at the heart of our racing community. Thank you Dot, for the enormous amount of work you put in every week and thank you also to everyone who has helped support her.
Ron also deserves special recognition for his tireless commitment in his support of the galley and of club racing. Much of what Ron does happens behind the scenes, but his reliability, experience and willingness to help wherever needed play a huge part in keeping our racing programme running smoothly. The club benefits enormously from his dedication and we are all extremely grateful for everything he does.
Finally thank you to every racer, volunteer, committee member, supporter and family member who has contributed throughout these series. The success of our racing programme depends on a huge team effort and it is wonderful to see so many people willing to give their time and energy for the benefit of the club.
I look forward to seeing everyone on the water for the next series and on the 21st for the awards presentation.
Simon
Photo of Simon in action with his better half Julie 🙂
