Laser 4000 Europeans on Lake Garda

The Laser 4000 fleet enjoy classic Lake Garda conditions © Nick Kirk / www.n-d-k.com

The Laser 4000 fleet enjoy classic Lake Garda conditions © Nick Kirk / www.n-d-k.com

Italian Charm

What is it about the Italian Lakes that proves so popular year after year? The stunning scenery? The sunshine and wind? The food? Perhaps it is all those relaxed mornings in the sunshine chatting to fellow sailors whilst waiting for the breeze to kick in. Whatever it is Lake Garda 2004 provided a vintage year for the 55 boats entered for the Laser 4000 European Championships. The international fleet included 17 Italians, French, Dutch, Spanish and of course the Brits including 8 Scottish boats. The first day broke the fleet in gently with the Ora producing a gusting 10-15 knots of wind, but for the next 3 days it was classic Garda - sunshine and 20-25 knots. With such a great turnout and a competitive, friendly fleet – not to mention the still unique weight equalisation system the Laser 4000 is becoming the boat to sail if you want to include a trip to Garda in your season.

First blood went to Andy Palmer-Felgate and Jon Modral, a strong performance producing 3 wins on the first day. However they were dismayed to discover that one of their starts had been a little too good and they had 1,ocs,1 on the board. Everyone else had struggled for consistency with 2002 470 World Champion Pete Nicholas sailing with wife Lisa leading overnight with 3,2,11 followed by Tom Glanfield & Rich Mayo with 6,7,8.

Having been eased in gently day 2 was probably the windiest of all, “Preferred IT” sailed by Doug & Hillary Baker began a stunning sequence of 10 consecutive top 3 places by winning race 4 before Pete Nicholas sailing "Ground Developments" hit back with a dominant win in race 5. He looked all set to win race 6 as well until the Flanders brothers swung into action. Unusually for the class the first 2 days were sailed on a trapezoidal course which included a tight reaching leg. Onto the last lap the lead boats rounded the windward mark and in the 25 knot breeze decided 2 sails were enough for the reach. The Flanders boys disagreed though and rounding in 6th place hoisted without hesitation. Most thought this was the last that would be seen of them but they brilliantly sailed through everyone’s lee to take the win. An excellent 2,2,6 from Scotland’s Sandy McPhail and Andy Marshal sailing “Yachting Life” launched them into 4th overall at this stage behind Andy Palmer –Felgate who backed up the previous days firsts with a consistent 5,4,4

On the third day the race for the title really began to hot up as Doug & Hillary Baker sailed to 1,2,3 but 2 wins for Pete & Lisa Nicholas meant that these 2 finished the day on equal points with only one day left. A good day of 2,2,6 put Hugh Watson and Dave Lilburn into 4th overall just one point behind Andy Palmer –Felgate.

Going into the last day there were 2 separate battles at the front. Doug Baker and Pete Nicholas were well clear and an intriguing battle for the title was anticipated. Behind them there was a close tussle for 3rd place between Andy Palmer –Felgate, Hugh Watson, and Sandy McPhail. If ever there was a classic Garda day this was it. 20-25 knots, start at the boat, tack for the cliffs and go! All 3 starts were won By Hugh Watson & Dave Lilburn who managed to get onto port and lead the pack into the cliffs each time. Only in the first race did they convert this into the win though as they succumbed to the relentless upwind pace of Doug and Hilary. However 1,3,2 for the day was enough to take 3rd overall. The final race promised an exciting showdown between Doug and Pete with Doug leading by 2 points, but a broken trapeze wire put paid to any chances Pete & Lisa had of winning. Congratulations then to Doug and Hillary whose consistency and legendary speed in the breeze brought them a well deserved European title.

I’ve seen Nick Kirks pictures on n-d-k.com and it really was as good as it looked. I’m certain everyone who was there is already planning how they will get there next time the fleet goes to Garda.

Full results at www.fragliavelariva.com/clientfiles/classifica/4000.HTM

Overall Results: