3rd June Gillette Series Race 9

Karen was pressed into service as SOOD as she had stitches in her arm and was banned from racing. This was a pity as it would have been a good night for her. Nice and sunny with a light 8 mph wind.
There were 25 starters and first back through the line was Steve S (Laser) followed by Ian (Supernova) then David C (Laser), Newton (Solo), then the five Lasers of Sylvia, Hugh, Dave L, Curtis and Mike T. Next along was Monica (Europe) closely followed by Paula (Laser), Chris A and Mike C (Solos) and Mike A (Lightning). Sally & Stuart in the Leader were the first in a double hander and they were being chased by Peter S (Byte), Ellen in the only Radial out tonight,  then the second double hander of Ralph & Joe in the Feva. At this stage Bob was the last Solo having a battle with Paul H (Supernova) and the third double hander of Dean & Nick in the Laser II just in front of Angela & Crew (put your name on the race sheet) in her Comet Duo and bringing up the rear were Tracey (Comet) and Chris S (Laser).
After two laps Ian had taken the lead from Steve, Sylvia had made up a place to 4th, Curtis had gained three places to 5th and Paula two places to 9th. Other significant movers were Bob up two place and Paul H up four places.
At the end of the third lap the five leaders held station, but Hugh had regained two places to 6th. Further down the fleet Ellen, Mike C, Mike A and Paul H were enjoying a good tussle.
The fourth lap saw David C move up to 2nd and Sylvia to 3rd and Newton had repassed Hugh to move to 6th. Dave L was sailing a steady race in 8th place being chased by Paula and Mike T who were having a close race. The most notable mover was Bob who gained four places up to 13th.
At the end of the fifth and last lap there was no change in position for the leading 10 boats, but Paul H, Bob and Ellen all gained one place.
The final positions on the water were 1st Ian; 2nd David C; 3rd Sylvia; 4th Steve S; 5th Curtis; 6th Newton.
On handicap this will change slightly with Newton’s Solo moving up to take 2nd place.
 
Thanks to Karen and the OOD team Mark, Graham and Stan (or that might be Sian !)