Please select your home edition
Edition
Henri-Lloyd - For the Obsessed
Product Feature
Ocean Safety - Ocean Safety Line
Ocean Safety - Ocean Safety Line

Inaugural RC Laser Race Day at Burwain Sailing Club

by Tony Wilson 2 Aug 2016 13:24 BST 31 July 2016
RC Laser inaugural race day at Burwain © Tony Wilson

Hugo had been to Southport and Fleetwood Sailing Clubs scouting for like minded skippers that could help him out in establishing a new fleet. Burwain Sailing Club, although founded over 50 years ago, was found wanting for a group of boys with their toy boats and transmitters.

The initial invite was about a month ago to a come and try a Laser along with a friendly barbeque, just to test the water. As this really went well, the next step was to organise the very first race day, but would again need a bit of outside influence to make it flow nicely.

Seasoned travelers from West Lan'cs Alan and Skip took along their girls for a trip to Boundary Mill. Mike and Sue, also Tony and Garry from Fleetwood had also decided to travel.

Nestled in a small valley near the old Mill towns of Nelson, Colne and Burnley, is this picturesque little darling that couldn't go a miss if you love beauty. Why stick in your sailing rut when you could drive through places with names like Osbaldtwistle for a relaxing day out.

John Sharman had set a course over the far side of the lake to make the most of the wind direction. He is another fellow member of the Burwain RC Laser club, along with Hugo who was now busy setting up a couple of his spare boats that he was willing to lend out to the interested.

After an introductory briefing we all shuttled over to the far banking along with rigged boats. Eventually after 7 races sailed we retired back for lunch in the great facilitating club house and then a final 3 taking us to about a 2:30 finish.

John Sharman had done most of the winning giving him first place overall. With the 2 discards deducted Mike Parkington had squeezed into second and Garry Benson took third place.

A great day was had by all, and another one to add to the places sailed.

Hugo and John hope to put up more races and plan on having club events on most Sundays... watch this space. Also rumours of a Northern TT later in the year.

By the way, there's a lovely walk way around the lake if your better half just wants to come along for a stroll with the dog.

Related Articles

RC Lasers at Fleetwood
With a race within a race for the Johnson family The wind was blowing from the clubhouse direction for the ten RC Laser entries. It looked to be a stock 'B' rig all-dayer, but with the light patch at the entry point, a bit of extra sail cloth helps you get through the lulls. Posted on 6 Oct
RC Laser Summer 2 Series at Fleetwood week 2
Two multiple National RC Laser champions lead the battle With a forecast predicting rain for most of the day, we were pleasantly surprised to arrive at the lakeside and still not a drop of rain. A westerly breeze and the few remaining large sails were put aside after practice. Posted on 8 Jul
RC Laser Summer 2 Series at Fleetwood week 1
With the wind forever increasing in strength a couple of 'D' rigs were brought out The showers had just about died out on arrival, to leave us with a nice Blowy Westerly. No need for the big sails today and it was a decider for the next 2 sail sizes, giving us a mix for the first couple of races. Posted on 18 Jun
Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series week 13
No question on rig size - the smallest D rigs were chosen For today's racing the wind was very much in the upper numbers. The forecast was for it to drop but with 20 - 25 knits and direction NW. No question on rig size - the smallest D rig. Posted on 27 Mar
Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series week 12
Wet gear didn't stop the whole fleet racing the 15 races After the break for Mother's Day the turnout for the twelfth race day in the Winter Series was well attended with 11 sailors braving the "Ides of March". Was it to be a bad omen for one or all? Posted on 19 Mar
Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series week 11
High winds yesterday but today very light High winds yesterday but today very light. 6-7 knots from the West. The direction was shifting for the course layer through 5 - 10 degrees but ready for the first race at 10.00. Posted on 3 Mar
Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series week 10
Course allows boats to be closer than normal and with more possible infringements The Race Team using the wind direction of SE and 8 knots speed set a narrow course with a wing mark to form the triangle for the triangle sausage format. This effectively gave two downwind legs, a reach along the leeward end of the course and two beats. Posted on 27 Feb
Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series week 9
Rain or Nor Rain Each weather portal in days before this outing showed something different for rain. Decision to race was never changed, even with the rain hammering down on the windows first thing. Posted on 18 Feb
Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series week 8
Zephyrs on the lake As predicted the wind was going to be a challenge for both the course setting and the sailors. The first zephyr provided a NE of about 4 knots. A Sail GP type course was positioned, giving a reaching start. Posted on 12 Feb
Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series week 7
Big winds again! Before racing started the breeze forecast during the week showed over 20 knots predicted by midday. We found the predicted direction of WSW. This gave a start in front of the playground and windward mark some 60m into the lake. Posted on 5 Feb