Spring Series 7 – 23rd May 2021

It was quite a frisky wind this morning, blowing SW 15 -17 mph from the SW and a number of the Laser sailors opted to use a Radial rig.

Pursuit Race

There were 14 out today and at the end of the first lap the early starters Ron and Jewels in their Mirrors and Rhys (4.7) were still leading the fleet. Ralph (Laser) was 4^th, Paul R (Aero) 5^th with Karen (Radial) in 6^th place.  Chris H (Comet) came through the line in 7^th place trying to stay ahead of the Lasers of Mike T and Darren. Newton (RS200) crossed in 10^th place with new crew Rick learning the ropes and being shown how to keep out of the bushes! The Lasers of James, Hugh and Adrian were bringing up the rear of the fleet along with Dave & Ann (Leader).

At the gun Jewels was still ahead of everyone, but Paul had moved up to 2^nd with Ralph 3^rd, Darren 4^th and Karen up one place to 5^th. Rhys was still going well hanging on to 6^th place, Chris had retired and Hugh was up 7^th. 

Handicap Race

Chris and Dave & Ann decided to sit this one out and Hugh soon joined them when his rigging came adrift.

Paul (Aero) was first back through the line about 30 seconds ahead of the Lasers of Darren, James, Mike T and Ralph. Newton & Rick (RS200) crossed in 6^th place with Adrian (Laser) 7^th about a minute ahead of Karen (Radial) in 8^th.  Jewels (Mirror) was next along with Rhys (4.7) chasing her and Ron (don’t write me off Mirror) holding the lanterne rouge.

Second lap and no change in the first four, but Newton & Rick moved up to 5^th by passing Ralph and further back Rhys had got past Jewels.

By the end of the last lap Paul had increased his lead to nearly three minutes and Mike T had caught James to take 3^rd place, but there were no other changes in position.

The final order on the water was – 1^st Paul; 2^nd Darren; 3^rd Mike T; 4^th James; 5^th Newton & Rick; 6^th Ralph.

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Paul; 2^nd Jewels; 3^rd Darren; 4^th Mike T; 5^th Ron; 6^th James.

Thanks to SOOD Mark and the team of Bill C, Gareth & Thomas D and Richard S.

After the race Karen and Hugh were presented with their well deserved RYA awards, but more about that in the next newsletter.