Laser / ILCA Open at Notts County Sailing Club

The Notts County SC Laser / ILCA Open attracted more than 25 entries and, what a change from the day before when the lake was like a mirror, there was a relatively steady breeze with occasional planing, but light most of the time. There was even some sunshine and it was warm at 21°C. Luckily the thunder held off for the racing (just) allowing all to have a good day's sailing.

Rebecca Ogden, the Race Officer, set a square course for the first race. The committee boat also had mum Lindsey taking the results. In the afternoon a reach was added giving some interesting racing. George Fereday (Bartley) won the first race with Nathan Smith (Staunton) second and Alex Piggott from Notts County third.

Windward mark with Goerge Fereday leading during the Notts County SC Laser Open - photo © David Eberlin

The second race after lunch got off to a clean start, there were some gusts allowing planning for short periods. The two leaders on the first lap echoed the first race, until both Nathan and George missed a mark out completely, leaving Nigel Lindley with a win, followed by Matthew Potter (Notts County) and James Dalby (Trent Valley).

So the final race was the decider, George Fereday was buried at the start, after arriving a little early on the line, leaving Nathan Smith from Staunton to win, with Alex Pigott from Notts County in second cementing his third place overall, only three points separated the first four showing how close the racing was. There was an interesting pile up at the leeward mark, with some photogenic dark clouds in the background, there was. Aloud clunk which had the safety crew checking boats and the water, but no one was hurt, which was a relief.

Third placed Alex Piggott during the Notts County SC Laser Open - photo © David Eberlin

More photos at ncsc.org.uk/2021/07/05/laser-open-2021

Overall Results: