Cobley Series 1 6th September

The first race of the Cobley Series was run at the same time as the third race of the Leader National Championships, which were taking place this weekend at Reading SC with five boats from Reading competing.

 
Peter S used X as the first mark then 9, 4, O, 6 and 8. Not sure where X or O were, but it looks like Paul R had some influence in setting the course as he does like to use extra marks !
There were 14 starters but Matt (MiniSail) retired on the first lap and John C (Topaz) retired on the second lap whittling the fleet down to 12.
There was a great scrap between the three leading boats, Ellen & Luke (RS 200) and David C and Sylvia in Lasers. Ellen & Luke led on the first lap, Sylvia led on the second and third laps but Ellen & Luke just crossed the line first at the finish. Peter R (Enterprise) harried Richard S (Laser) for most of the race for 5th place, but was just pipped on the last lap by Rod (Laser) who came through to take 6th.  James P (Laser) took 8th place just ahead of a great battle between John W (Laser) and Chris H (Comet), who had traded places throughout the race.
William (Topper) received the gun at the end of the third lap, but Rick (Laser) persevered to finish all four laps.
The final positions on the water were –  
1st Ellen & Luke; 2nd David C; 3rd Sylvia; 4th Dave L; 5th Richard S; 6th Rod.
On handicap Ellen & Luke were joint first with David C, first time that this has happened this year and the first time that a sister and brother crew have finished first.
The only other handicap change was Chris H pinching 5th place from Richard.
 
Thanks to Peter S and the OOD Team Chris B, Jim, James and Bob.