10 August Summer Series Race 9
Before the start Paul R was busy moving buoys to avoid the weed, but provide a course that would give clean wind. The wind was WSW about 10-13 mph but with a forecast of stronger winds up to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph ! There was some discussion as to which sail to use and even which boat to use. Curtis, Mike A and Oswin stuck to the standard Laser sail, but Karen opted to use a Radial rig and Hadey decide to use a Pico instead of her Laser 4.7.
Ian C opted for his normal sail and Mike C, John C and Newton & Ellen had to go with what they’d got !
Paul had set a first beat down to 2, which he had moved out more to the centre of the lake, then up to 4 and then a run down to 5. There were only 9 starters, which was the same as last week – what has happened to the Sunday morning sailors ?
At the end of the first lap, a familiar sight, Ian C (Supernova) was in the lead followed by Curtis (Laser), Newton & Ellen (Laser 2000), Mike A and Karen (Lasers). Then there was a small gap to John C (Topaz), Mike C (Solo), Oswin (Laser) and Hadey (Pico).
Lap 2 and the first three were the same, but Karen had got past Mike A, and Mike C and Oswin had got past John C.
At the end of the third lap, the first five were in the same order but Oswin had moved up to 6th with Mike C 7th and Hadey 8th. John C had managed to pull his centre board clear of the slot and capsized whilst trying to refit it. The problem then was that he had to get it back into the slot before he could right the Topaz with the consequence that his third lap took longer than the preceding two laps !
On lap 4 the order remained the same but Ian and Curtis had opened up a gap at the front and Oswin demonstrated nimble feet by dry capsizing (stepping over onto the dagger board before immersion !)
Nothing changed on the fifth lap but it was noticeable that the wind had started to increase.
Towards the end of the 6th lap it became evident that Ian had not managed to pull clear of Curtis and that Curtis was in with a very good chance of a win. Then disaster struck (for Curtis anyway – Ian was probably quite pleased) when Curtis touched X (third buoy from the finish) and had to do a penalty turn, then trying to catch up again on the run to 6 he got into the classic roll and capsized. He probably lost about 5 minutes sorting himself out which allowed Newton & Ellen to nip past him. He did manage to cross the line in front of Karen so at least got a podium.
The final positions were – 1st Ian, 2nd Newton & Ellen, 3rd Curtis.
Just a reminder to all – when you sign on please remember to put your boat class and sail number and the name of your crew on the Declaration Sheet..