Summer Series 1          12th June 2022

SOOD Richard S was presented with a WNW wind of about 10 mph and set a course of A, 9, 4, 3, B, 6, 7 and back through the start. There were 20 starters and it was good to see another Mirror joining the racing in the hands of Russell (welcome to the fleet Russell).

Pursuit Race

As is often the case, Ron/Mirror was still leading at the end of the first lap followed by Chris H/Comet, Roland/Solo and Newton/Solo. Then the first two Lasers, Chris K and Karen crossed the line having overtaken the Solo of Mike C, who was being threatened by Paul R/Aero 7.

At the 35 minute gun the final positions were 1^st Chris H; 2^nd Chris K; 3^rd Ron; 4^th Paul R; 5^th Karen; 6^th Newton

Handicap Race

Everyone stayed on for the second race and first back across the line was Paul R/Aero 7 already over a minute ahead of Newton and Roland in Solos. The Laser pair of Karen and Ralph crossed the line very close together battling for 4^th position and they were 20 seconds ahead of a battle for 6^th place between Adrian/Rooster and Chris K and James P in Lasers. Next to cross the line was Mike T in the leading Comet! (will he be abandoning the Laser fleet to join the Comets?, he has already had a dalliance with the 470). Jamie and Mark in two more Lasers crossed in 10^th and 11^th place with Chris H/Comet close behind them. 30 seconds later Mike C/Solo crossed the line just in front of Rick/Laser. Then there was a slight gap back to Dave & Ann/Leader and Nigel/Radial who crossed the line together. Another gap and Hattie/Laser and Sally/Comet came along with the two Mirrors of Ron and Russell behind them.

Lap 2

Paul crossed the line in 1^st place and promptly capsized, but it was still a minute before Karen crossed in 2^nd place! Newton and Ralph could not be split as they came through and neither c to move up to 9^th place. ould Roland and Chris K battling for 5^th spot. Mark B gained two places getting past Jamie and Mike T. Chris H also passed Jamie to move up one place as did Nigel by passing Dave & Ann, who were also passed by Hattie. Sally retired on this lap and Russell received the hooter..

Lap  

No change with the two leaders, but Ralph had consolidated 3^rd place by just drawing away from Newton. The highest mover was Mark gaining four places to cross in 6^th place. James moved up to 7^th by passing Adrian and Chris H was up to 10^th passing Jamie. Further back Mike C passed Rick and Dave & Ann recovered lost ground beating Hattie and Nigel across the line. Ron received the lanterne rouge!

The final order on the water was – 1^st Paul; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Ralph; 4^th Newton; 5^th Chris K; 6^th Roland

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Chris H (up from 10^th); 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Newton; 4^th Paul; 5^th Mike T (up from 13^th); 6^th Roland.     

Never write off the Comets until the numbers are crunched!!

This gives Chris H a double/double repeating his wins in the first two races of the Summer Series of last year.