Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series Day 6

Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series day 6 © Fiona Blair

Sunshine racing (not in your eyes) and great banter between all

The morning began with 18 Knots of wind from the NNW and unlike the sun had taken his hat off to greet 11 yacht racers eager to race.

This wind direction is the least favoured by the Race Team with the café building creating an influence on the wind direction and speed. A triangular/sausage course was set with the start line part way up the beat.

The line set was with a starboard bias and depending on which shift phase whether there was a lift towards the windward mark or not. Those that took this route sometimes ran out of wind or were some of the first to reach the mark first. Those that took a left side of the beat often left it late to tack to the mark and caused no end of difficulties being on port lay line at the mark.

C rig was quickly changed to B rig as the wind softened. Tim Townsend (45) and Jamie Blair (51) were immediately racing together with Tim showing better speed down the run on the downwind loop to take the win.

Race 2 was much the same but Tim made the best start close to the starboard end and again took the win. The beat from the leeward mark was a leg to make or loose places; coming inshore early proved slow but further up the beat was often a game changer. Mark Penny (03) did just this in one of the races and overtook many boats.

Race 3 saw a new leader of the race with Tony Alexander (04) push ahead by the windward mark and lead the rest of the race. Tim was 2nd and the ever-consistent Jon Moon (84) 3rd.

Race 4 went the way of Tim with Jon and Tony in hot pursuit along with Spencer Pope (62). So it was the usual sailors at the front but this wasn't to last.

Race 5 brought Roger Gibb (32) to the front on the first beat but the ever-present Tim was slightly quicker up the second beat and another win. Tony third and Jamie fourth.

Race 6 demonstrated the windward mark clash of the titans and a resultant car park whilst Jamie had tacked early to get to the starboard lay line and sailed around the stranded fleet. Tim was caught in the middle of this; rough justice with him as right of way boat! More penalty turns please and eyes out the boat to avoid the right of way boats.

Race 7 before the break was again a shuffled result some wind difficulties and some boat contact. Front runners were down tin the pack but with Jamie ahead and Mark Penny and Andrew Nicholls (613) reaping the benefits of clear air and water.

At the break Tim was leading by 6 points with Jamie and Tony chasing the second place. Behind them Andrew and John Moon.

During the break, the course was altered to fit with the veering wind and reducing wind but just made it more difficult not to come to the windward mark on port. There was even thoughts of an A rig.

After race 8 Jamie and Tim were on equal points but Tim stamped his mark on the remaining races with 4 firsts and two seconds.

Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series day 6 - photo © Fiona Blair

Our Race Officer, Fiona Blair was doing a sterling job of line compliance. Probably every race there was an early starter called over and then the unenviable route back through the fleet of 11 boats.

Notable race results from Andrew with a second in race 12 and a 3rd in Race 13. Similarly Brian L'evy (958) with a 3rd in Race 11 and 2nd in race 15.

Race 15 saw Tim not finish but this didn't spoil his day winning with a 15 point margin. Jamie had struggled during the day including going ground before the start of Race 3 but kept Jon and Tony (3rd & 4th) behind him to take 2nd.

Great comments from all for the racing, the sunshine (not in your eyes) and the banter between all.

Our next set of races will be on Sunday 4th February 2023.

Overall Results:

Medway RC Laser Club Winter Series day 6 - photo © Fiona Blair