November Cup – Remembrance Sunday 11th November 2018

It was a very significant day being 100 years on from the end of the First World War and time to reflect on the terrible loss of life, not only in that conflict, but in all other conflicts since.

There was strong blustery SW wind, varying from 15 to 24 mph and James set the first beat to X then 1, 5, 9, 6, 7 and back through the start. There were 17 starters, which was good, considering the tricky conditions. Most of the Laser sailors opted for a Radial rig apart from Adrian and Frantz. You know it’s windy when Adrian drops from his Rooster rig to a full rig and Frantz just goes for it!

First back through the line and well ahead was Simon in his Blaze followed by Jon (Radial), who was some 20 seconds ahead of Karen and Steve S (also Radials), who crossed the line virtually together.
About a minute later Mark (Radial) came through in 5th place just ahead of Jess and Ralph in Radials and Adrian in his full rig Laser. They were followed by Frantz in another full rig Laser who was having a good battle with Alistair S, Gareth and Will (all in Radials). Then behind them was a motley collection of craft, which was quite refreshing after the Radial parade and leading this band was Chris H (Comet), not far ahead of Mike C & Sally in Mike’s Wanderer, Paul H in his Supernova and further back brave Olivia in her Topper. Dean & Nick (Vago) retired before the end of the lap.

Lap 2 and Simon had increased his lead and Karen and Steve had got past Jon to move up to 2nd and 3rd places. Jess had passed Mark to move up to 5th and Adrian was up to 6th with Mark down to 7th. Further back Will had moved up two places by passing Alistair and Gareth and Paul H had gained three places getting past Gareth, Chris and Mike C & Sally.

At the end of the third lap there was no change in the first four, but Mark had regained his 5th place and Ralph gained two places to move up to 6th. Alistair moved up three places to 8th by passing Jess, Frantz and Will. There were no other changes in order and Olivia received the gun at the end of the lap.

On the fourth lap Jon managed to catch and pass Karen and Steve to move up to 2nd place. Adrian passed Ralph to take 6th spot and further back Gareth regained two places by passing Paul H and Will. At the end of the lap Alistair, Jess, Frantz, Gareth, Will, Paul H, Chris H and Mike C & Sally crossed the line in that order and received the finish gun.

One more lap for the leaders and Simon had a massive lead of 8 minutes. Jon had managed to draw away slightly to cross the line in 2nd place and Karen just managed to beat Steve to 3rd place by tacking directly round 7 to finish, whereas Steve went straight on! There were no other changes in order.

The final positions on the water were –
1st Simon; 2nd Jon; 3rd Karen; 4th Steve S; 5th Mark; 6th Adrian

On time corrected for handicap the only change was Ralph (Radial) just beating Adrian (Laser) for 6th place.

Thanks to James and the OOD Team of Bea, George V, Gordon P, Rhys, Rich F and Richard M.