Gillette Series 2 – 24th April 2019

With a South wind about 12-14 mph, Chris H set the first mark as A (level with 2 but more into the middle of the lake) then 2, 9, 5, 6, 7 and back through the start.

There were 19 starters and first back across the line was Karen (Laser) closely followed by Newton (Solo), Mike T (Laser) and Ellen (Laser). About a minute later Dave & Ann (Leader) crossed in 5th place with Dean & Nick (Vago) right on their transom and another minute elapsed before Ralph (Laser) came through. Then there was a close bunch consisting of Mike A (Lightning) followed by the Lasers of Paul H, Rick, Alistair S and Jeremy and these lads enjoyed a good battle throughout the race. Ron (Mirror) was not far behind and being chased by Sam in a Radial. Then there was a slight gap back to Emily (Topper) and Jemima and Ed in their Oppies and they also enjoyed a close battle for the whole of the race. Then bringing up the rear was Bob (Solo) making his first appearance of the year and Dave P in his Mirror.  Sally & Stuart (Leader) made an early retirement before completing the first lap.

At the end of the second lap Karen still led but Ellen had moved up to 2nd place with Mike T still 3rd and Newton was down to 4th. The next three boats held station, but Rick was up two places to 8th place. Further back Jemima had passed Sam and Emily to move up to 14th spot.

At the finish Karen crossed the line in 1st place with Mike T up one place to 2nd and Ellen a close 3rd. Newton, Dave & Ann, Dean & Nick and Ralph all maintained their positions, but it was all change in the bunch behind as they struggled with the dodgy wind around No 7. Alistair S came up trumps and took the 8th spot from Rick virtually on the line! Behind this group Sam caught and passed Ron and Jemima with Emily finishing just ahead of Ed.  Bob and Dave P both retired.

The finishing order on the water was –

1st Karen; 2nd Mike T; 3rd Ellen; 4th Newton; 5th Dave & Ann; 6th Dean & Nick.

On corrected time this becomes – 1st Newton; 2nd Karen; 3rd Jemima; 4th Mike T; 5th Dave & Ann; 6th Ellen.

Thanks to Chris Hilson and the OOD Team of Monica, John H, Mike C, Mike T Nigel and Rich F.