Windermere Hanse Regatta 11-12th July 2009

The entry on this year's Windermere Hanse Regatta was up on last year’s number with sixteen Hanse's entered in the three-race event held over two days. The Hanse Team based at the Windermere office had arranged an exciting weekend of fun and racing that is always a popular event on the Lake. A variety of models from the Hanse range were represented from the Hanse 292, 301, 311, 312, 315, 320, 342, 350 and the flagship on Windermere, the 531. The event focussed on fun family, racing, with the emphasis of “having a go” and “getting more out of your boat”!.

Race 1 kicked-off on Saturday morning at 1100hrs in the South Lake with all boats making a good start over the line in very light airs, clear skies and bright sunshine. A great day for sailing! The action was close, and around all the race markers the boats jostled for position. The Hanses that pulled ahead were carefully reading the “fickle” winds that Windermere can be famous for, and choosing a course on the windier side of the lake. The lighter boats definitely benefited from these conditions

Some of the competitors rafted-up for lunch, whilst others sailed around waiting for the second race. The sun was out and the clear skies were set to continue throughout the afternoon.

Race 2 got off to a good start at 1400hrs with the wind filling a bit more. Again, the smaller lighter Hanse’s benefited from these conditions.

With the first day’s racing over, and the fleet berthed safely, mostly in the Bowness area, the competitors settled back for an evening of entertainment in the Lake District Boat Club.

The competitors woke to a much windier day on Sunday for race 3. Gusts between 4-5 were blowing south-westerly up the lake which promised for a more taxing experience for some of the competitors, but relished by the bigger boats. The start was a different affair compared to the previous day’s races, and with tension and eagerness to get started, seven boats crossed the start-line a fraction too early! The race officer called a general recall, and a little later, with an equally exciting start, the 3rd race finally got off successfully. With the conditions as they were, some of the boats wisely had set-in their first reef, but these were soon shaken out on the down-wind leg. The 531 powered to the front of the fleet and led the field for four fast laps around the challenging course.

The event was a great success and hopefully even more owners will enter their Hanses in next years races. Well done to everybody who took part for making the event a fun and exciting couple of days!


Results:
Race 1
1st Silver Mist (320)
2nd Amazon (312)
3rd Starflyer (315)

Race 2
1st Starflyer (315)
2nd Amazon (312)
3rd Silver Mist (320)

Race 3
1st Pure Sunshine (315)
2nd Starflyer (315)
3rd Jack (531)

Overall
1st Starflyer (315)
2nd Silver Mist (320)
3rd Pure Sunshine (315)