Gillette Series 22 7th September 2016
It was the last race of the Gillette Series, but it was a pity that the wind had decided not to grace the occasion with its presence. There was also no SOOD until Curtis stepped into the breech. What wind there was seemed to be coming from the SSE at least some of the time. Curtis set the first drift up to X on the buoy line (mid-way between 5 and 6), then sadistically down to 8, back up to 6 on the buoy line and back through the start.
There were 8 hopeful starters and they had the benefit of starting about 10 minutes after the Juniors, so that they could clearly see that there was no wind! Mike A (Lightning) arrived at X in the lead, but unfortunately (for him) at the same time as the Junior fleet was rounding the mark so he had to go right round the back of their fleet. Mark B (Laser) was first to the second mark, closely followed by Karen and Hugh both in Lasers. There was only time for one lap and Mark held his lead to cross the line in first place.
The final positions on the water were –
1st Mark; 2nd Karen; 3rd Hugh; 4th Chris A (Solo); 5th Jess B (Laser); 6th Mike T (Laser)
On handicap the first two should keep their positions, but Chris A should take 3rd place pushing Hugh back to 4th with Jess still 5th and Bob (Solo) coming up to 6th.
Karen really needed a win tonight to definitely take the Series from Newton. They are level on points so the final decision will go to count back – watch this space!
Juniors
There were 7 Juniors out tonight and although there was not much wind they seemed to be enjoying themselves and there was a lot of shouting and chattering going on. There was the usual call of “starboard”, but also “no tiller waggling” and “I need a wee” The latter call could be quite useful as it is the responsibility of all helms to avoid accidents so presumably this would give this boat precedence over all others!
The final positions on the water were-
1st Edward; 2nd; Rhys; 3rd Joe; 4th Jemima; 5th Thomas; 6th Bea; 7th William.
As the girls were in Oppies and the lads in Toppers the handicap result will be 1st Jemima; 2nd Bea and 3rd Edward.
This should give Jemima the series victory, so well done to her!
Thanks to Curtis (I think!) and the OOD Team of Helene W, Mark H, Dene F and Richard H.