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Laser Open 2019 - Race Report

Aldenham Sailing Club - Laser Open Meeting 9th June 2019

Thames Valley Circuit – round 7 

Race report 

 

A lovely day of blue sky and clouds with a southerly F2 Gusting F3 wind greeted 15 boats, including 5 visitors to Aldenham to contest 4 races for the Laser Salver which was first presented in 1981. A day earlier we would have been blown away, a day later washed away!!!

Not surprisingly the locals took advantage of their home water intelligence with the usual mercurial Aldenham winds doing their best to thwart the unwary.

Race 1 saw considerable bunching of the fleet, but as the wind picked up Steve Fischer (ASC) took full advantage and a strong lead followed by Rob Whitton (Stokes Bay) with Kelvin Jones (ASC) in 3rd. A gentle pace for most of the 3-lap race saw positions being held. The chasing pack were unable to make up the ground. Richard Holmes was the hero of the race having to pull in to repair his rig but still managed to catch up to the pack by the end of the race. Steve and Kelvin pulled clear away by the end with Rob and Colin Carver (ASC) in 3rd and 4th.

Race 2 saw Tim Le Couilliard (ASC), having returned from his holiday in the early hours, take advantage of a little breeze to come out from the middle of the fleet which was practically becalmed at times, followed by Steve. There was close combat until the end of the race. Tim looked a certain winner as he rounded the last mark but was pipped on the line by Steve. The fleet was well spread out as the wind picked up. Steve, Tim, James Le Couilliard and Andy Crosher made up an Aldenham 1, 2, 3 & 4.

Returning to shore of an excellent lunch signaled the wind to pick up, but then dropped right off and become very variable in direction when the fleet took to the water again. Steve having had the perfect morning was looking far from relaxed as anything could happened in the final 2 races.

Race 3 saw the fleet strung out in a line with no obvious advantage being gained. However, Tim took a strong lead, emerging from the pack followed by the visitors, who seemed to be getting the hang of the Aldenham environment, now in second, third and fourth. Tim smashed this one, leaving all behind, seeming to generate speed with no obvious wind. Steve who started mid fleet managed to claw his way up to an important third place by the end.

David Lambert managed to capsize during the race despite the lack of wind but then un-fortunately cut his hand launching for race 4 requiring a visit to A&E. We wish you a speedy recovery.

Race 4 had another slow start with the fleet bunched early on. As the wind died out the fleet was becalmed once more. This time however it was the visitors that took full advantage of whatever breeze they could find and Peter Edel (King George) came first, to add to his second in race 3, Rob second and Andy third.

Overall Steve had done enough in the morning to keep Tim & the visitors Peter & Rob at bay to secure the victory.

In the Radial fleet the youths of Alistair Brown (Great Moor) & Aaron Evans (Silver Wing) had a close fought battle both finishing mid fleet, but it was Alistair who took the radial prize.

Prize winners

Radial & Youth                    Alistair Brown (Great Moor)

Great Grandmaster             David Killey (Maidenhead)

Master                                 Rob Whitton (Stokes Bay)

Grandmaster & 1st overall   Steve Fischer (Aldenham)

2nd                                      Tim Le Couilliard (Aldenham)

3rd                                       Peter Edel (King George)

 

The spot prize, sponsored by Sailing Chandlery, was awarded to Andy Crosher

 

For full results see here