Laser Vago Nationals at Penzance Sailing Club
by Paul Welch 18 Aug 2008 11:32 BST
10-15 August 2008
The Vago Nationals were held at Penzance Sailing Club from the 10-15 August with competition in the wonderful waters of Mount's Bay. The distance was a challenge for some with a few of the regulars not able to make this first week long event for the Laser Vagos. Nevertheless those that attended had some exhilarating sailing conditions.
Race 1 saw Martin Rawling and Alex Accleton in ‘Blue Air’ take advantage of the strong winds and local sea experience to lead throughout with Paul and Kat Welch in ‘May Contain Nuts’ taking second place. The race officer managed to get the second race away as the gusts built to over 32 knots and once again the strength of Martin and Alex saw them take pole position.
The winds moderated on day 2 to a more reasonable 20-25 knots. In race 3 Paul and Kat took the port end flyer to establish the early lead but were chased hard by Martin and Emma Keen in ‘Addiction’ as well as the father and son combination of Chris and Ed Thompson and Martin and Alex. Race 4 saw the same crews in the top 4 positions.
Another front blew in on the Tuesday and racing had to be postponed. Wednesday was already a lay day and remained that way whilst a force 9 gale sped through the south west and much of the rest of the country.
Races 5, 6 and 7 were sailed in a more reasonable Force 3-4 and the competition really closed up with the crews of Andy Regan & Richard Keen, Stuart McTavish & Katie Hill, and Andrew Ward & Heather Lockyer looking to challenge the front runners.
The final day started as Thursday but winds continued to build to build to a force 6 with stronger gusts. Once again Martin and Alex showed their skills to take all 3 races and finish a superb week winning the championship.
Overall Results:
1st 574 Martin Rawling and Alex Accleton (St Ives SC)
2nd 92 Paul and Kat Welch (Weir Wood SC)
3rd 760 Chris and Ed Thompson (Bexhill SC)
4th 1070 Martin and Emma Keen (Arun YC)
5th Andy Regan and Richard Keen (Bewl Valley SC)