It was a great days sailing, having had feedback from shore based sailors who didn't bother to bring their boats, that they were kicking themselves to miss such a good event and sailing day. 

With frozen lakes and slipways around the North of England one of the few places “Ice Free” was the fast flowing tidal River Wyre. Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Clubs traditionally 1st  open meeting of the year took place on 9 January in sunshine and 15ish kts of wind from the West, not so warm though. That did not stop 48 teams from 15 different sailing clubs around the North of England gathering to take place in this pursuit event for a trophy that has many world champion names on it such as Laurie Smith, Ian Pinnell, Steve Goacher, Matt Mee and this year Dave Winder and Pippa Taylor from Hollingwoth Lake Sailing Club in their Merlin Rocket got their names on it sailing a very good race, especially when watched from the shore. 

New Commodore Stuart Fitton welcomed everyone at the race briefing then the crews headed on to the river for the start The 12:50 start was delayed for a few minutes while the wind settled, however, with the gusty shifty conditions this got most of the capsizes out of the way before the start. First away was the Graduate of D.Ivins and L Johnson from Bolton Sailing Club, then an gallery of dinghies of various designs and ages, GPs, Enterprises, Cfly, Lasers, Phantoms, Blazes, Merlins, RSs and a couple of Ospreys, a fine sight! 

The interesting, but taxing course set by OOD A. Roe was of a high enough standard for the level of competence on the water  which left some of the sailing spectators wishing they were on the water. 

Although this event will never be as popular as the Lord Birkett at Ullswater due to the time of year they are held it is certainly a “Must Do” event, even if you do it only once!

The excellent prizes provided by Steve Cockerill at Rooster Sails make it worthwhile too; Commodores Lady, Julie Fitton, kindly presented these. A good event and well organised by the Dinghy Committee .

 Next year's event is scheduled for Sunday 26 February 2012  Start 12.30