Bolton Sailors Shine in Regional Competition: Molly Haslam and Rory Freestone Take the Lead

Two Bolton sailors have made a splash in the regional sailing scene, with Molly Haslam and Rory Freestone showcasing their skills and determination in a recent competition.

Molly, representing Delph Sailing Club in Egerton, emerged victorious in the Tipsy Icicle Series at Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club. Meanwhile, Rory secured a commendable second place finish in the junior fleet at Pennington Flash. The duo faced tough competition from some of the best sailors in the North West throughout the 10-weekend event.

Club development officer Ian Brown expressed his pride in Molly and Rory’s achievements, highlighting Molly’s two to three years of sailing experience and Rory’s impressive performance in his first-ever racing competition. Brown credited the collaboration between the club and The Anderton Centre for supporting Rory’s success, including providing him with a boat on an exclusive basis for a year.

Delph Sailing Club also saw Finley Smith and Gordon Riddell shine in the competition, with Smith finishing fourth overall and Riddell securing second place in the ILCA Fleet. With 160 sailors competing in the series, the club’s winter dinghy series remains the largest in the UK.

In light of their success, Delph Sailing Club is hosting an open day on April 20, offering a chance for sailing enthusiasts to improve their skills or learn more about the sport. The event, located at Longworth Road in Egerton, will feature tea and coffee for attendees.

The achievements of Molly, Rory, and their fellow sailors serve as a testament to their dedication and talent, showcasing Bolton’s strong presence in the regional sailing community.