Spring Series 7 15th April 2018

The Spring Series 6 races were cancelled due to flooding following the heavy rain during the week before. Thankfully the waters subsided and we were back in business for this Sunday. The wind was about 10 mph from the SSE and Peter S used an Island start with a first beat to 1 then 3, 2, 5, X and back through the start.

Pursuit Race
18 starters this morning, which may be the highest number this year and good to see Curtis and Paul H back on the water after their winter hibernation! Sally had joined the Comet fleet and Dean had abandoned his Vago in favour of his Laser. Early starter Rhys (Topper) was still in the lead at the end of the first lap followed by even earlier starter Mirror 12089 (you need to sign in on the Declaration Sheet lads or lassies?). The two Comets of Chris H and Nev were next through the line but being caught by Newton & Ellen (RS200) and Simon B (Blaze) and they were followed by Mike C (Wanderer). At the gun the positions were –
1st Simon; 2nd Newton & Ellen; 3rd Chris H; 4th James; 5th Richard S; 6th Mike C
Note this – a Wanderer on the Leader Board.

Handicap Race
Simon B was first back through the line followed as usual by Ellen & Newton and then James. Chris H (Comet) and Hugh (Laser) crossed the line together as did Rick and Richard (Lasers) just behind them.
On the second lap the leading seven boats remained in the same positions, but there was an almighty scrap for the next place with Dean (Laser), Nev(Comet), Hadey, William and Curtis (all in Radials),Adrian in his Vago and Mike C in his Wanderer all pressing for 8th place. Further back Paul H (Supernova) was feeling lonely and some way ahead of Rhys and Sally with Mirroe12089 bringing up the rear.
At the end of the third lap the first three were still clear but Rick had moved up to 4th with Richard S 5th Hugh 6th and Dean 7th.Further back Adrian and Mike C had both moved up two places and Paul H moved up one place. Sally and 186 (don’t ask me – no name or boat on Declaration Sheet or Race Sheet !) retired on this lap.
The fourth lap was the last and Simon B retained his lead right to the end and the first three had maintained their places throughout the whole of the race. Richard moved up to 4th by passing Rick and Chris H held off Dean to finish 7th. Nev and Mike C both gained two places on the last lap, but everyone else maintained station or lost places.

The final positons on the water were –
1st Simon; 2nd Ellen & Newton; 3rd James 4th Richard S; 5th Rick; 6th Hugh

On handicap Chris H will move up to take the victory with Ellen & Newton 2nd, James and Richard still 3rdand 4th, Simon 5th and Rick 6th.

Thanks to Peter S and his OOD Team, who should have been Jerome C and Chris A, but again no names on the race sheet.

A note to all racers – if you do not sign in on the Declaration Sheet you are not officially taking part in the race !

A note to all OODs – please make sure your name is entered on the race sheet or you may be allocated further duties !