FRENSHAM Pond Sailability enjoyed a successful weekend at the 11th RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta, with Mike Everitt being crowned Champion of Champions and Lindsay Burns winning the Hansa 2.3 class.

More than 80 sailors took to the water at Rutland for the UK’s biggest disability sailing event to compete in eight classes. 

In scorching temperatures and tricky light winds, the event features hotly-contested class races and the famous Ken Ellis Pursuit. 

The event, first staged in 2007, sees both international class and novice sailors coming together to compete in an annual celebration of ‘what’s possible on the water’.

Champion of Champions Mike Everitt, from Bordon, won both his Hansa 303 class and the pursuit race. He said: “I was really challenged in both the multiclass regatta and the Ken Ellis Pursuit race, having quite a few close calls.

“I wasn’t expecting to win the Ken Ellis, which resulted in me giving a rather audible celebration on the water. I’m really grateful for the support of all the volunteers.”

Hansa 2.3 class winner Lindsay Burns, from Headley Down, added: “As always, the RYA Multiclass has been a huge part of my racing calendar for this year.  We had good racing but, above all, it’s a superb social event.”

This year’s Multiclass Regatta was given extra spice by the presence of sailors selected to represent Britain when sailing makes its Invictus Games debut in Sydney this October. They were using the event as part of their preparation.

To find out more about Sailability, the national programme run by the RYA for people with disabilities, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/sailability

In a previous event, Frensham Sailability members swept the board at Burghfield Sailing Club, near Reading. Seven boats were transported to this attractive lake and the races were particularly challenging due to the light and variable winds (and also some surface weed).

The club had wins in all four classes, with first places going to Lindsay Burns (Hansa 2.3), James Woosnam (Hansa 303), Peter and Peta Etherton (Hansa 303 two-person) and Tessa Watkins (Liberty Class).

Youth member Harry Kennington achieved a creditable third place.