Bassenthwaite was well represented at the prestigious Lord Birkett Trophy held this weekend on Ullswater. We had 8 boats entered as part of the record 230 boat fleet which included multiple world champions, Olympians and a number of past winners including our own Commodore Mark. Unfortunately Vice Commodore Robin was unable to sail as his crew Phil was off colour. The others were treated to two 16 mile ’round the lake” races on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s race was held in a good southerly breeze which started at the club with a beat towards Glenridding around an island and a run back to Pooley Bridge then a final upwind leg to the finish. There were many capsizes and incidents throughout. Sunday’s race around a similar course saw much more variable winds with massive gains and losses been made by all competitors.
Bass sailors were spread throughout the fleet. Steve/ Ruth in a Merlin were best placed in 20th closely followed by Simon/Jon sailing a Flying Fifteen in 21st and first Flying Fifteen, Mike/Kayla also in a Fifteen were 28th with Mark/Joe 33rd in a RS400. Alex/Olivia finished 40th in a RS 200 and Alan/Sue 52nd in their GP14. Ethan/Izzie finished 127th in an RS 200.
AJ’s views on the event-
Sat the wind was strong but our best result. Sun there were loads of holes, and I have Robbie D to thank for ‘signing me on’ or the result wouldn’t have counted.
Managed by the skin of our teeth to be the first GP so the very impressive trophy that Dave L and Andy S won over the last few years has come back to Bass again.
We watched it for a few years. Pleased I did it. Great experience. Not sure I’ll do it again – Now where/when have I heard that before?..