RC Laser Spring Series at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club - Week 3
by Tony Wilson 2 May 2022 13:38 BST
10 April 2022
RC Laser Spring Series at Fleetwood week 3 © Kyri Christodoulou
With 8 skippers in attendance bright and early, all were ready for a great day of racing with dry conditions.
The course setting was a little awkward as the light breeze was coming across the road from the South. The only available option was a start line a third way down the lake and with a slight bias to the wind, sail East, return across the midway point and beat back to finish.
One lap was good for starters to see just how long we would need. Trevor times each race normally and they take between 10 and 15 minutes on average. We were in good company with 2 of the skippers being National champions, so we had an idea of who we would be chasing. Shaun was off to his usual flying start, while Derek was having a few teething problems setting his new sail.
Eight races were sailed in quick succession with Shaun only dropping 2 of the wins, one to Tony and the other a complete giveaway to Walter, while stalled inches from the finish line. The morning had a mixed follow order through the racing, as the wind played tricks to keep you on your toes. Peter was the only one to try a 'B' rig for just the one race, but was soon back with the rest, because of the lulls.
The afternoon had seen a slight shift, which needed an alteration to the angle of the start. Two races in, and then a call for a complete reverse direction and head for the log cabin. The longer beat made use of the far two windward marks, using one as a spreader. Now with lots of tacks to the top, we had the full length back down the whole lake for plenty of leg exercise.
Mark joined us for the last couple of races. He was doing fairly well, even though Tony had mistakenly put the mast foot between the two wrong winch lines on borrowed GBR 85. You find as you sheet out, the sail goes half way and then back in again. The only way to sail is with it part way. We've all done it many times, or is it just me.
With no breakdowns or mishaps throughout the afternoon, we persevered to complete the magic 16 races to give us the 3 discards on the days racing.and make Trevor happy. The afternoon had the best racing with the favoured West direction, although the morning challenged your patience, but still good..
Results:
1. Shaun Holbeche - 18 pts
2. Derek Priestly - 3 1pts
3. Tony Wilson - 40 pts