Gillette Series 1 – 9th June 2021

It was a nice sunny evening for the first race of the 2021 Gillette Series with a SW wind varying from 5 to 10 mph. Chris H set a fist beat down to 4 then 2, 5, 7 and back through the start.

A good turn out tonight with 23 boats taking part and Karen (Laser) led back across the line followed closely by Mike T in another Laser. These two maintained their positions for all three laps of the race with Mike T keeping Karen honest but never quite managing to get past her. On the first lap Mark (Laser) was in 3^rd place, but this position was taken by Emily & Newton (RS200) from the second lap onwards.

Throughout the race there was a close battle for the next five positions between Mark, Darren, Jamie, Ralph and Rick all in Lasers and Dave & Ann in their Leader.

Behind these there was another group changing positions, initially led by Dean & Nick (Vago) with Richard H and John H both in Lasers and Mike C (Solo) getting past them by the end of the race with Will in a Radial chasing them all the way.

There was a gap in the fleet back to Paul H and Nigel in Lasers and Sally in her Comet, but they were having a good tussle for 15^th place. Behind them Rich F (Comet Duo), Ron (Mirror), Nick H (Laser), Aileen (Comet) and Chris & Carol (Sport 14) were enjoying a race of their own.

The final order on the water was – 1^st Karen; 2^nd Mike T; 3^rd Emily & Newton; 4^th Darren; 5^th Mark; 6^th Dave & Ann.

On corrected time the only change in position is Dave & Ann leapfrogging Mark to take 5^th place.

Thanks to SOOD Chris H and the race team of Monica, Sam W  and especially the Sue Js who stepped up to help out on the night.