Gillette Series 8 – 1st June 2016
Tonight was overcast with a NE wind about 13-14 mph and a bit chilly. Steve S used an Island start with a first beat to 5, then 9s, 4p, 2p and back through the start.
There were only 11 starters probably because of the uncertain weather. David C (Laser) was first back through the line on the first lap and for every lap after. Newton (Solo) came through in 2nd with Ellen (Radial) 3rd and they battled together for the whole of the race. Dave & Ann (Leader) were 4th but only just ahead of Sally & Mike in their Leader. Julian W (Solo) was 6th with Rod (Laser) 7th and then came Mike A (Lightning), Dean & Nick (Vago) and Nev & Bob (Leader) with Richard H (Laser) bringing up the rear.
At the end of the second lap the first three remained the same but Rod had moved up to 4th and Sally & Mike had got past Dave & Ann to move to 5th and Richard H had moved up three places to 8th.
On the third lap Ellen had got past Newton to move up to 2nd and Richard H had made up another two places to 6th. At the back of the fleet the battle between Mike A, Dean & Nick and Nev & Bob continued with them changing places every lap.
There was no change in the leading five boats at the end of the fourth lap, but Dave & Ann had retaken 6th place from Richard.
Lap 5 was the only lap in which there were no changes in position and the only changes on the last lap were Richard repassing Dave & Ann and Nev & Bob sneaking past Mike A right on the finish line.
The final positions on the water were –
1st David C; 2nd Ellen; 3rd Newton; 4th Rod; 5th Sally & Mike; 6th Richard H
On handicap the first three should remain the same, but Sally & Mike will leapfrog Rod and Dave & Ann should displace Richard H from 6th.
Thanks to Steve S and the OOD team of Simon B and John C.