With the inshore weather forecast reading Force 4 gusting 5 to 7, fewer boats were tempted to make the start line this weekend. With the competitors fighting to keep their boats on their launching trolleys in the strong southwesterly the first boat was launched from the slipway only to capsize as the first gust hit. The rest of the fleet sailed around the start line as the pre-start sequence proceeded with boats capsizing right, left and centre and it was a miracle that so many were the right way up at the start.  The Lasers sailed by John Bennett and Paul Smith were the first to the windward mark followed by Dai Griffiths and Tom Daniels in their Laser 2000.  It was survival conditions and as the Lasers continued to capsize, Dai and Tom sailed home to win the first race, mainly because the Lasers sailed the wrong course.  We'll leave John and Paul to sort that one out with Roger Hodgkison the Race Officer.  Once again Hannah Golton in her Topper displayed what a capable young sailor she has become to survive the race after numerous capsizes to win the Spring Slow Fleet Series.  With boats having to be towed back in due to breakages it was good to get back to a hot shower and a warm drink.  Dai and Tom didn't sail in the second race as they thought they had the series tied up, forgetting that they did not race in the first two weekends.  "You've got to be in it to win it"  

Congratulations to Hannah Golton on winning the Spring Series Slow Fleet and to Graham Harbord in his Laser , who is the winner of the Fast Fleet, beating both Martin Poole and Tony Herlihy who looked like winners at one stage of the competition. Well done Graham, drinks are on you mate!!!!!!!!!

Also well done to all who have sailed throughout the Series and for those who haven't yet, 'Come on down'!!!!!!!

 

 

1st Dai Griffiths/Tom Daniels – Laser 2000

2nd Duncan Oliver/James Woodward – Laser 2000

Others did not finish

 

 

1st Hannah Golton

Others did not finish

 

Spring series 10

Fast fleet