July Cup Race 5th July 2015

 With an 8mph SW wind, Chris A set the most popular course of the moment – 4, 2, 5, 8, 6, 7 and back through the start.

There were 19 starters including a returning Colin H in the Zebra boat, actually a Hartley H2 but with fantastic black and white striped sails.
First time back through the start line and Karen (Laser) was in the lead with Newton & Ellen (RS200) 2nd, David C (Laser) 3rd and Jon (Laser) 4th. Adrian came through next in his Rooster closely followed by the Lasers of Curtis and Mark B. Roland & Ryan seemed to be more in control of their National 12 as they came through in 8th place. Sally & Stuart (Leader) were battling again with Mike A and Hugh (Byte) joined in the fun.
Unfortunately Colin H following David M (Laser) was misled by David’s feint towards 6 (before returning to round 8). Colin carried on to round 6 missing 8 out. It is not clear whether Colin continued to do this on every lap but he did continue to the finish before being disqualified !
At the end of the second lap Newton & Ellen had nipped in front of Karen, but the next three boats were in the same order. Roland & Ryan had moved up a place by passing Mark. Sally & Stuart had got ahead of Mike, but Hugh had to retire with a broken mainsheet pulley which moved the boats behind him up a place.
The third lap saw Karen back in the lead with Adrian and Curtis gaining a place to 4th and 5th respectively and Roland & Ryan gained another place to 6thand Dave L gained a place to 8th. James P (Laser) had caught Mike who was desperately trying to keep him at bay. JW and Paul W in the Club Lasers were having a good battle with Hadey in her 4.7 and William (Topper) was trying to stay ahead of David M.
After four laps the first 10 boats were holding station with the exception of Roland & Ryan who had passed Curtis (just).Further back James P and Hadey had both gained a place and William was given the finish gun.
The last lap saw no changes in position other than Curtis getting back in front of Roland & Ryan.
The final positions were – 1st Karen; 2nd Newton & Ellen; 3rd David C; 4th Adrian; 5th Curtis; 6th Roland & Ryan
 
Thanks to Chris A and the OOD team of Wendy P, Helen J, Oswin R, Dean F and Richard H.