The 2026 regatta was sponsored by Nautical Training and Dynamic Boat Works, 58 craft sailed.
The Regatta has a great fairly laid back atmosphere, not only are the keen racers down, but many others who race occasionally, or have never raced enter. This along with the social aspect makes for a great weekend, the bar was nearly emptied, and there were a good number of families mixing on the balcony, and spectators watching the lake filled with dinghies and windsurfers.
Friday evening saw an excellent bat talk by windsurfer Barry Collins, a National beat expert. He then set up infra red cameras, bat detectors, and we heard, and sometimes saw several species of bat near the f15 slipway.
Saturday started with an organised lifeguarded swim by our swimming group Love Open water.
Saturday was overcast with a light and occasional moderate wind, which persisted in swinging.
After a welcome briefing, Ken Twemlow, the race Officer started the Commodore’s Cup a few minutes late after a wind shift.
After lunch the second cup race was held followed by a Novice Race. Finally a SUP obstacle slalom was organised, by Kev Nichols, not sure if there was a dry competitor, but there were lots of smiles and laughter. Toby Schofield won the SUPs.
Then the Saturday social begun, with Keith and Carol feeding 81 people, Nicola Willars helping wash up, whilst husband and daughter organised pig racing. Jon dressed in a huge and hot pig suit ! The bar was busy and quite a few members stepped up to run it, Dynamic Boats mini barrel lasted a short time. After supper the Red Hot Band started, a 14 piece (I think) playing some great music till sundown, a chilled atmosphere.
Sunday dawned cool, with light to moderate winds again and sunshine. The wind again was shifty but as usual some sailors always come out top.
It was great to see two HANSAs out, John Chambers thought his racing days were over as he is on a mobility frame, but he managed 4 races and came in 29th overall.
The first race saw youth Cillian & dad Phil Dyne win on handicap in their Scorpion, with Jake Willars and John Tailby second in a Fireball. Jamie Mawson in an RS600, the eventual winner, was third. The second race after lunch saw junior Isaac Dickenson win in his Topper, a brilliant result seeing as he only started sailing a few years ago. John Sears and Andrea Murphy were second in an old National 12 and Jamie Mawson was again third.
On Sunday Micheal Kerslake was in his International Canoe, and won the first race (he stayed upright!) with Jamie Mason second and Mathew Potter third. There wasn’t many points separating the top four, though Jamie’s win in the final race meant he took the Commodore’s Cup by 6 points, the next three boats were 12 points each on discard, John Sears was second in that race and Jake Willars third.
First youth and second overall was Cillian Dyne, James Burton was second Youth in sixth place overall , and Isaac Dickenson first Junior was 12th overall.
Prizegiving was held with thanks to Dynamic Boats and Nautical Training for their generous contribution.
Results Commodore’s Cup – Novice Races – Windsurfers
