Gillette Series 9 – 13th June 2018

It was a bit frisky tonight with a SW wind 13 – 15 mph with gusts of 19 coming through. There was a bit of discussion amongst the Laser sailors whether to opt for a full rig or use some discretion and drop to a Radial Rig. Chris H was able to use a flagpole start and set a long beat down to 3 then 2, 9, 5, 8, 6, 7 and back through the start, which gave two “nice” gybes at 5 and 6!

There were 21 starters, including Cecilia in her Radial who had not been out for a while and was very brave to go out in the tricky conditions. There were a couple of capsizes before the start (including Cecilia), but everyone did start. One of the outstanding images of the night was Paul standing up in his Aero completely stationery on the start line just waiting for the gun.

At the end of the first lap Karen (Laser) came through the line in 1st place just ahead of Mark and Mike Tr, both in Lasers. Paul despite capsizing near No 2 was in 4th place (he would probably say if you don’t capsize a few times you’re not trying). Hugh (Laser) was just 10 seconds behind him followed by his old man Curtis in a Radial. Another minute elapsed before Jamie H (Laser), Peter S (Byte), Mike A (Lightning), Rick (Laser) and Dave & Ann (Leader) came through close together and this group enjoyed a good battle throughout the race. Next through was Richard H (Laser) making up time after a capsize and then the trio of Jeremy and Paul H in Lasers and Dean & Nick (Vago) with Sally & Stuart (Leader) and Joe (Radial) not far behind them. About a minute later the two Mirrors came through with Ron leading Dave P and they were about two minutes ahead of Jemima in her Oppie.
Finally the brave Cecilia crossed the line despite another capsize.

By the end of the second lap Paul had come through to take the lead with Mark B still in 2nd place and Karen and Mike Tr crossed the line together. Hugh and Curtis were still 5th and 6th but Richard H had gained five places to move to 7th. Dave & Ann were up three places to 8th position and Dean & Nick had gained five places to move up to 10th. Sally & Stuart made up two places by passing Jeremy and Paul H, but Joe had passed all three of these boats to move up to 14th position. Cecilia decided to retire on this lap, but well done to her for giving it a go!

Paul still led on the third lap but Mike Tr had got past Mark and Hugh moved up to 4th with Karen dropping to 5th after a capsize. No change in the next three positions, but Peter S had gained two places to move up to 9th place. Jeremy and Paul H had repassed Sally & Stuart and Joe.
Sally & Stuart, Ron, Dave P and Jemima all received the finish gun at the end of this lap.

On the last lap there was no change in position for the first 10 boats, although Dean & Nick did try to change this by capsizing after rounding No 6 with the finish line in sight. However being highly trained athletes they got it back up without losing a place! Just behind them the only change was Rick gaining two places to move up to 11th.

The final order on the water was –
1st Paul; 2nd Mike Tr; 3rd Mark B; 4th Hugh; 5th Karen; 6th Curtis.

On handicap Jemima will zoom from last place on the water to 1st place on handicap – well done Jemima!
Nor sure if this happened before, but some of the seniors are thinking of buying an Oppie (they are of course forgetting the slight difference in body mass)
The only other change will be Curtis leapfrogging Karen for 6th spot.

Thanks to Chris H and the OOD Team Claire, Mike T, Monica, Richard Ho and Peter D