July Cup 2016

There was a 6mph SW wind, although it varied up and down during the race and Peter S set a first beat to 4, then 2p, 5s,6s, Xs and back through the start.
There were 19 starters, which was actually the same number as last year.
 
Newton & Ellen (RS200) were first back through the start followed by Ryan & Roland (National 12) and Karen (Laser). Peter R (Enterprise) came through in 4th place with Hugh (Laser) 5th, Mike A (Lightning) 6th,Adrian (Laser) 7th, Hadey (Radial) 8th,Steve P (Laser) 9th and Dave I (Radial) 10th.
Sally (Comet) and Eddie B (Laser) retired at the end of the lap.
 
At the end of the second lap the first four boats were in the same positions, but Adrian had moved up two places to 5thand Hadey was up two places to 6th. Behind these there was a close battle between Gareth (Laser), Rick (Laser), Dave I, Chris H (Comet) and Franz (Contender) with Bob (Solo) bringing up the rear. Dave I decided two laps were enough and retired after crossing the line.
 
On the third lap there was no change at the front but Hugh had regained 5th place pushing Adrian down to 6th. Steve P was up to 7th but in a battle royal with Hadey, Rick, Mike A, Gareth and Alistair S.
 
The fourth lap saw no change in the positions of the first four boats, but Adrian was back up to 5th with Hugh 6th and Mike A up to 7th. Alistair had gained two places to 11th and Chris H two places to 12th, but the boats from 7th to 13th were constantly changing position throughout the race.
 
At the end of the fifth and last lap Newton & Ellen had a commanding lead and crossed the line well ahead of Karen, who had just managed to get past Roland & Ryan. Peter R had kept his 4th place throughout the whole of the race and Adrian had got away from Hugh to finish in a safe 5th. Hugh nearly got caught at 6, but just managed to stay ahead to finish 6th with Hadey, Steve P and Mike A finishing line astern just behind Hugh. Chris H gained another two places to move to 10th and Gareth gained two places to 13th and Bob managed to catch and pass Franz.
 
The final positions on the water were –
1st Newton & Ellen; 2nd Karen; 3rd Roland & Ryan; 4th Peter R; 5th Adrian; 6th Hugh.
 
On handicap the first three will remain the same, but Chris H, Mike A and Hadey should move up to 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.
 
Thanks to Peter S and the OOD Team of Sylvia, Damian, John and Brian.