Fat Face RS400 Circuit at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club

Challenging conditions for the second Fat Face RS400 event of 2006 © Paul Allen

Challenging conditions for the second Fat Face RS400 event of 2006 © Paul Allen

Challenging conditions for the second Fat Face RS400 event of 2006 © Paul Allen

Nine visitors joined a strong home fleet turnout of 16 boats for the RS400 Fat Face Circuit Event at Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club over the weekend of April 1st and 2nd. With the forecast for big breeze proving to be about right, competitors were guaranteed lively racing in what was to be a shifty and challenging wind direction.

1 p.m. saw all 27 boats leave a port biased start line first time. Nick Craig and James Stewart (1237) were first to round the windward mark, followed by Paul and Mike Allen (1155) with Dave Exley and Nigel Hall in close pursuit. Nick Craig sailed into the distance. The Allen’s capsized on the second downwind leg allowing Dave Ex to claim second place ahead of Mike Budd and Mark Greaves (1264) in 3rd.

Race two once again saw the majority of the fleet leave at the pin end of the line in a building breeze. Nick Craig was first round the windward mark and pulled out an unbeatable lead, Dave consistent Exley finished 2nd with the Allen’s in 3rd.

After a short break for lunch race three began in slightly less breeze resulting in tighter racing throughout the fleet. Only 22 boats made it to the start, with 5 boats sitting out either with broken gear or deciding to beet the rush to the bar. Nick Craig as in previous races dominated from the start, Mike Budd finished 2nd and Dave Exley 3rd.

After a cheap and cheerful evening at the local Toby Carvery Sunday dawned wet and windless. However by the start of race four the breeze had built to force 2-3 from the same direction as the previos day. Mike Budd Rounded the first windward mark of the day and held his lead to the finish. The Allen’s had a short lived battle with Nick Craig for second place, however their days sailing was ended when both mainsail and kite halyards broke on consecutive legs. Richard Marsh and Heather Nocton (1164) finished 3rd.

Race five began in a building breeze. Dave Exley rounded first with Nick Craig in hot pursuit. Big gusts blowing across the club and on to the lake resulted in several casualties and rescue crews were kept busy. Controversy at the last leeward mark resulted in Dave Exley have to avoid a back marker, allowing Nick Craig to claim his fourth race win. Richard Catchpole and Alan Woosey (1007) finished third.

Race six saw the first general recall of the weekend, driving rain and a shift in wind direction resulted in the course becoming one sided. Once again Nick Craig led from the start with Mike Budd in second. Chris Gowers and June Riley (1204) finished third with Dave Exley and Nigel hall in fourth.

LLSC Boats dominated the silver fleet. Dave Poore and Tim Simpson (774) were first followed by Louise McKeand & Chris Basset (1191).

All in all an excellent event, sailed in testing but enjoyable conditions. Special prizes where awarded to Mat Johnson (1st junior crew), James Budd and Emma Norris (first junior boat) and Richard Catchpole and Alan Woosey (oldest combined crew). Race officer Mike Broatch and team were thanked for keeping everything on schedule and for not bringing out the black flag.

Overall Results: