26th July Gillette series Race 15
Tonight there was quite a frisky westerly, about 13 – 15 mph, with stronger gusts coming through.
Karen, Ellen, Sylvia, Paula, Mike T and Cecilia all decided to go for Radial rigs, which was probably the right move in the conditions.
Ellen got a good start and led from start to finish with Karen never far behind. Mark who was lying 3rd capsized on his way to the first mark on the second lap. After recovering he had passed Karen and was almost up with Ellen when he capsized again. His mast came out of the boat and he retired.
Newton in his Solo had a close battle with Sylvia just managing to stay ahead of her throughout the race.
Jamie (Laser) was going well moving up from 8th on the first lap to finish 5th on the water and he had a good battle with Dave & Ann (Leader) and Peter S (Byte) who finished just behind him in 6th and 7th places.
Not far behind these there was another good battle between Paul H (Supernova), Sally & Stuart (Leader) and Dean & Nick (Vago) and they eventually finished in 8th, 9th and 10th places respectively with Paula (Radial) a little way behind them in 11th place.
Hugh & Hadey (Leader), Mike T (Laser), Angela & Crew (Comet Duo) and Chris & Carol (Sport 14) all finished one lap early.
Cecilia (Radial) unfortunately missed a mark and retired after the first lap.
The final positions on the water were –
1st Ellen; 2nd Karen; 3rd Newton; 4th Sylvia; 5th Jamie; 6th Dave & Ann
On handicap Newton should take the victory and Sylvia, who was sailing on the Radial handicap figure, will move up to 2nd place past Ellen and Karen, who although using Radial rigs were sailing on the full Laser handicap. Peter S should move up to 5th with Dave & Ann retaining 6th place.
Thanks to SOOD Steve S and the OOD Team of Monica, Mark and Patrick