BURWAIN SAILING CLUB

August Race Series

THE race is well and truly on in Burwain Sailing Club's August Race Series and captain Peter Dewhurst has the wind in his sails.

For the captain is taking full advantage of the club's 'depleted fleet' to lead the way after seven of the 16 race series.

For while several of the club's better racers are competing in top national and international competitions, helmsman Dewhurst has already won two of the seven events with crew Georgina Haworth in the GP14 class.

On the second weekend of the series, Dewhurst showed his consistency on the picturesque Lower Foulridge Reservoir when he finished fourth in race one, third in race two before picking up a first place in the last race of the day.

The conditions, which were light to medium, were ideal for racing with winds reaching gale force two and three.

And it turned out to be a family affair for the Dewhurst's as Gary, Peter's nephew, won the first race with crew Sarah Bennett.

Innes Armstrong, fresh from success in the Abersoch Dinghy Week where he finished first in the solo single-handed dinghy, won the second race of the day with crew Jane Connolly. The teacher at Castercliffe school was not the only Burwain Sailing Club member to enjoy success in Abersoch Dinghy Week as Steven Graham from Burnley and crew Thomas Bennet from Barley were first in the GP14 Class.

And in the handicap race, open for Solo's, Phantoms and Lasers, Nick Preston from Brierfield came first.

And there was more success for the club at Abersock when Nigel Harris and John Stephenson won the national championships for squib keelboats in July.

Club members, including 17-year-old Georgina Haworth, have just returned from competing in Cowes while Steven Graham and John Sharman from Barrowford are currently competing in the GP14 World Championships in the Mumbles, South Wales.

Back at Burwain, Ashley Johnson is having a good start to the Handicap Class in his Laser and won the two opening races of the day while Nick Preston from Brierfield won the third race.

It was Preston's second taste of success after he was the overall winner in the opening weekend of August Race Series, traditionally known as Champagne Day.

Paul Dewhurst from Barley and crew Maria Mussell from Accrington were the overall winners of the GP14 class.

The club holds youth training with Pendle Youth Services on Mondays. Race nights take place three nights a week while cruising and training take place on Fridays. For more details about the club contact Peter Dewhurst on 01282 692570 or 01282 864826.