16th November Cobley Pursuit Race 10
A slightly misty morning with a light NNE wind, probably about 6 mph to start, then building up to 8 – 1- and dropping off again towards the end of the race.
There were 20 starters and Andy H used a Tektona start with a beat down to 6, across to 8, back up to 5 then 9 and a run to 2 and then back towards Tektona and the start line.
First away was William P in his Topper and then there was a wait of 11 minutes before Mike A (Lightning) got away followed at 1 minute intervals by Steve S (Solo) then Newton & Roz (Laser 2000) and Paul D (Radial) followed by Peter R (Enterprise). The Laser pack was next away followed 1 minute later by Ian C (Supernova) then 2 minutes after Adrian in his Vago.
Paul R started somewhere around here in his new Aero 7 followed last of all by Steve P in the 505.
First back through the line were Newton & Roz with Steve S up to 2nd and Mike A and William down to 3rd and 4th. Peter R was in close pursuit of William and then slightly further back was the first Laser of Richard S with Ian C in close attendance. Then came the next trio of Lasers, David and Jon C and Dave L who were very close together. Paul R followed having just passed Andy B in another Laser and Curtis not far behind in yet another Laser. There was a slight gap back to another trio of Lasers, Phil A, James P and Dave I and an even smaller gap back to Eddie B (Laser), Adrian, Paul D and Alistair (Laser) with Steve P bringing up the rear, hardly surprising as he had started after the lead boats had crossed the line for their first lap !
By the second lap Steve S led from Peter R who was having a terrific battle with Newton & Roz. Ian C was now up to 4th with Mike A hanging on to 5th but Dave L was closing fast with David and Jon C not far behind him. Eddie had decided to go for his usual early cup of tea leaving the rest of us to it.
At the end of the third lap Peter R was leading and Ian had moved up from 4th to 2nd with Newton & Roz hanging on to 3rd with Steve S 4th, David C 5th, Dave L 6th, Jon C 7th and Paul R moving up to 8th.
The gun went as the leaders were three quarters round the fourth lap. The leading eight boats were still in the same position apart from Ian taking the lead from Peter. The second pack of Lasers was led by Richard S in 10th place followed by Andy B, Curtis, Dave I, Phil A, and James P. Dave, Phil and James had enjoyed a terrific battle all through the race.
The final podium positions were 1st Ian, 2nd Peter, 3rd Newton & Roz.