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Spring Series (C) 09/05/2010

Sun, 09/05/2010 - 19:32 — Dai.Griffiths

On a day when the Race Officers Dai Griffiths and Tom Daniels  felt  " This is our kind of weather",  race one started with a long beat out to the north east which certainly saw some good sailing from most of the fleet in a strong force four wind.  As the fleet started the second lap of the course there was little between them with the race officers having great difficulty writing down the lap times as the competitors were so close together.  The second lap sorted out the men from the boys with those who played the wind shifts making a break from the rest of the fleet.  There was a great race between the laser 2000 fleet and at one time you could through a blanket over them (As the great Bill McClarren would have said) as they were so close together.  

James Bennett was struggling with a stomach upset and these were not the conditions for that type of condition, if you know what I mean.  The Bennetts in their 'Tipsy Niner' gave the fleet  a chance by tipping in.  This was just what Brian and Maria Golton needed to spur them on and sail a faultless couple of laps.  Hannah Golton and Chris Brealy in their Lasers struggled to get amongst them but with spinnakers filling on three of the four legs the bigger boats were always going to keep ahead.

Steve Owen in his Contender sailed fast but missed out going back through the start and was disqualified leaving the Goltons' to take the honours.
 

Results

1st.  Brian / Maria Golton - Laser 2000
2nd John / James bennett - 59er
3rd Paul Smith / Ceilidh Higgs - laser 2000
 
By the second race there were many drop outs due to fatigue, cold, tummy upsets and wonderment as to how it seemed more like October than May.  For those who braved the conditions for another 2 laps they were rewarded with Spring Series places and the honours went to another Laser 2000 pair of Jim ledger / Kate Kenyon. Steve Owen still insisted on missing out the West 1 buoy and was disqualified.  One day a cockerel the next a feather duster.  That's the way it goes.  I must mention the stamina and persistence of the Browns in the Laser Vago having spent much of the afternoon using their sail as a centre board.  The Vago is possibly not the easiest boat to sail in these conditions, so well done Elliot and Mark, and a special mention to Martin Poole and Clive Woodward who crewed the safety boat at short notice, allowing this event to take place.  Where would we be without 'Dad's Army?"
 

Results

1st Jim Ledger / Kate Kenyon - laser 2000
2nd Chris Brealy - Laser
3rd Hannah Golton - Laser Radial 
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Comments

Sun, 09/05/2010 - 22:25 — Dai.Griffiths

Todays Race

It's always good when you are Race Officer to see your boat which you have just loaned to some friends for the race capsize three times before they even start.  For God's sake this is May. Can we please have a government and some bl**dy sunshine.

Looked good once you finished your capsize drill Smithy!  Keep the boat upright and dry and there is a chance you will win!

Be good 

Dai