Opening Splash 20th March 2016

For the opening race of the season at Herne Bay Sailing Club, eight boats were there to take part in the Opening Splash, they were 1 Contender, 7 Lasers and 1 Topper.

The conditions were light winds and a flat sea, the first obstacle to overcome was in these light conditions making it out to the start line, once this had been achieved the race sequence was under way and the boats were jostling for position between the North Mark and the Pillar Mark.  After the start, the Contender tacked off away from the fleet of Lasers, heading up to the first Mark SP1, Laser 200875 went ahead of the other Lasers, rounding the mark and off to W1 the Contender 701 was vying for pole position with Laser 200875, while the rest of the fleet of Lasers followed in a follow my leader formation.  The Topper of Joseph Ekins was a Slow Handicap Boat and he valiantly sailed a lone course.

Rounding W1, Laser 200875 who had extended his lead over the Contender 701, then came Laser 172009, followed by Laser 42839. Laser 208321, Laser 85058 and Laser 42119 who were all vying for position.  In these light conditions, retirements were inevitable and the first to retire was Contender 701.  The Race Officer took the decision to shorten the Race as Laser 200875 had rounded the W1 and was heading for the Distance Mark.  The second retirement from the Race was the Topper.
 
Results
1st Laser 200875 Ben Skull
2nd Laser 172009 James Woodward
3rd Laser 208321 Graham Harbord