Gillette Series 21 (and last) – 5th September 2018

It was quite a good night for the last of the Gillette Series with another NW wind, but slightly stronger than last week at about 10 mph. Curtis used a flagpole start with the first mark 6 then 5, 8, 4 and back through the start.

There was a good turnout with 23 boats starting and first back through the line were Jess, Mark and Karen, all in Lasers. Dave & Ann (Leader) came through in 4th place followed by the Lasers of Jeremy and Joe with Mike A (Lightning) and Monica (Europe) not far behind them. The Solos of Newton and Steve S crossed the line next with Alistair S (Laser) sandwiched between them. Paul H led another trio of Lasers with Richard H right behind him and Mike T further back. A minute later Ron came along in his Mirror just ahead of Sally and Stuart (Leader),Dean & Nick (Vago) and Cecilia (Laser), these four boats were close together and enjoying a good tussle. Then came the battle of the juniors led by Rhys (Topper) with Jemima (Oppie) not far behind him, then further back Sam (Pico – not quite a junior but looking young enough!), Emily (Topper) and Bea Oppie).

Jess still led at the end of the second lap, but Karen had passed Mark to steal 2nd place with Dave & Ann still in 4th. Newton had gained four places to move up to 5th pushing Jeremy and Joe down to 6th and 7th. Monica and Alistair had both passed Mike A to move up to 8th and 9th places. Richard H passed both Steve S and Paul H to move to 11th and Dean & Nick gained three places to move up to 14th. Cecilia gained two by passing Mike T and Ron to move to 16th. In the battle at the back Rhys and Jemima maintained position but Emily had passed Sam with Bea persevering at the rear. Sally & Stuart, Rhys, Jemima, Emily, Sam and Bea all received the gun at the end of the lap. As usual Monica retired when lying 8th (not that she usually retires when lying 8th, but does with one lap left!)

Jess maintained her lead and crossed the line in 1st place with Karen and Mark holding 2nd and 3rd. Newton passed Dave & Ann to finish 4th. Joe had got past Jeremy to take 6th place (a good performance by Joe in a full rig Laser). With Monica’s retirement Alistair S finished in 8th place with Steve S up two places to 9th. Everyone behind these gained a nominal place courtesy of Monica.

The final position on the water were –
1st Jess; 2nd Karen; 3rd Mark; 4th Newton; 5th Dave & Ann; 6th Joe

On handicap Jess will keep her 1st place, but Jemima jumps up to 2nd pushing Karen, Mark, Newton and Dave & Ann down one place.

Thanks to Curtis and the OOD Team of Ferdinando, Paul B and Ralph.

Congratulations to Karen for winning the series and also to Jemima for finishing in 2nd place and top junior.