2025 MNSC Flying 15 Open – Race Report

 

 


Sixteen boats were at the start of race one. Photo: David Livingstone

Wow, what a regatta!

 

A strong fleet of 16 boats (6 visitors, 10 local) arrived at the start line for the traditional Flying 15 Open Meeting at Midde Nene SC, which was held on 14th/15th June as part of the Southern Traveller Series. The weather forecast of a lively weekend was spot-on and Race Officer Tony Wright had to allow for testing conditions with heavy gusts and up to 30 degree wind shifts throughout the Saturday, with somewhat easier conditions on Sunday morning. The RO had made full use of the beautiful lake and so the 15s could really live up to their name, literally ‘flying’ across the water in some spectacular scenes.

 

Saturday: blustery and challenging

Saturday delivered fresh to strong breezes, ranging from Force 3 to Force 5, pushing sailors’ skills and boats to the limit. Three races were held in these brisk conditions. Gusts and shifts added an extra layer of challenge, with boat handling and tactical decision-making proving crucial. John Hanson and Helen Selden (RYA, 4094) rose to the occasion, claiming two wins and a third to sit atop the leaderboard at the end of the day. Jeremy Arnold and Richard Hope (Draycote SC, 2646) sailed consistently to stay in close contention.

 

Several teams were caught out by the gusty conditions. Notably, a few DNS and DNF results hinted at gear issues and retirements across the fleet, underlining the testing nature of the day.

 

Sunday: lighter and tricky

Sunday brought a significant change, with reduced wind strength and more tactical racing. Lighter conditions made speed and clean air the focus. Two races were completed, rounding out a five-race series with one discard.

 

The lighter breeze allowed some of the mid-fleet boats to shine, with tighter racing and increased opportunities for overtaking. However, John Hanson and Helen Selden maintained their composure to finish with a strong set of results and secure the overall win. Jeremy Arnold and Richard Hope held on to second, while Mark Greer and Jim Reid (MNSC 2433) took third.

 

At the prize-giving MNSC Commodore Peter McCallum thanked the visitors from across the country for coming to Thrapston and bringing such a great range of boats from the Classic, Silver and Gold series, including the exceptionally well-preserved 485 from Plockton SBSC. The visitors, in turn, thanked their hosts for the friendly welcome, competent race management and the great catering, including the Summer BBQ on Saturday evening.

 

Flying 15s continue to be one of the most active fleets at Middle Nene SC and the next event is already planned for early June 2026, with details to be announced in good time. For any questions about this event please contact prsecretary@middlenenesc.co.uk

 

 

Final Results (Top 3 Overall - details in 'Race Results):

     1.  4094 – John Hanson & Helen Selden (RYA) – 6 pts

     2.  2646 – Jeremy Arnold & Richard Hope (Draycote SC) – 8 pts

     3.  2433 – Mark Greer & Jim Reid (MNSC) – 8 pts

 

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A new door code for the changing rooms has been sent out via email.
If you have not received the email and are a paid-up member, please contact prsecretary@middlenenesc.co.uk

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Boat insurance offer
We now have an agreement with Noble Marine, a boat insurer, that the club acts as an ‘Introducer’ for this company, whereby the club receives a small commission for every new business concluded through our introduction. In this way you can help the club to get some extra money, but the contact to Noble MUST go via our website link or the QR code in the advert.

MNSC does not, of course, wish to influence your decision of whom you insure with, but if you are considering Noble Insurance, please enquire/book through the link, because every penny counts!


























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Parade of Sail at the 70th Anniversary Event in July 2017

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Health and safety:

Blue-green algae -
avoid contact with the lake water
 Especially in warmer weather, bloom and scum forming blue-green algae can produce toxins. These are quite normal occurrences in nature but can be harmful to some wild animals and most domestic pets. In humans, they have been known to cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed. Not all blue-green algae blooms and scums are toxic, but you can’t tell just by looking at them, so it’s best to assume they are. People and pets therefore should not come into contact with lake water where algae are present (on or near the shore) to protect their health.

Defibrillator outside Workshop
Thanks to the support by the RALPHH Charity (Robert Allen, Life Promotion & Healthy Hearts Trust, www.ra-lphh.org) there is now a defibrillator available at the club. It is located outside the club compound with access from the footpath, on the western wall of the workshop, just opposite the river moorings. Its what3words location is:  ///conga.claw.comic
To use the unit in an emergency, ring 999, give your location and follow the instructions given, which include the numeric code to open the box.

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Please note:
Pictures of various MNSC events are on the Facebook page and even more in the closed Facebook Group. Members also have access to the Whatsapp Group for the latest updates.

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This is Middle Nene Sailing Club
at Thrapston Sailing Lake.
For canal/river boating please contact our friends at
Middle Nene Cruising Club at Titchmarsh Mill.