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
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.