Lakeland Laser Grand Prix at Coniston Sailing Club
by Jonathan Nicoll 27 May 2008 11:50 BST
25 May 2008
The second round of the 2008 Lakeland Laser Grand Prix was held at Coniston Sailing Club on Sunday 25th May as part of their 3-day Open Dinghy Regatta.
Ten Lasers lined up for the start of the first race in a brisk wind gusting up to about Force 5. The Race Officer had set a perfect Laser course with a long beat to the North end of the lake followed by a short run and then a zig-zag of 3 reaches from one side to the other. With the wind increasing capsizes were many and as early leader John Lyons went down the run he left a trail of upside-down boats behind him. Dylan Noble overtook John and as Eric Bowerbank of Derwent Reservoir finished behind them in 3rd the wind seemed to get even stronger with some gusts up to near gale force. Three boats retired and the last two finishers, Katie Stewardson and Jonathan Nicoll, treated spectators to their full repertoire of capsizes on the last down-wind legs.
A long lunch break was taken in the hope that the wind might ease a bit but it continued to increase and a sensible decision was taken to abandon racing for the day.
The next event is scheduled for 14th June at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.
Overall Results:
1st Overall, Dylan Noble (Ullswater Yacht Club)
1st Master, John Lyons (Ullswater Yacht Club)
1st Youth, Luke Lyons (Ullswater Yacht Club)
1st Lady, Katie Stewardson (Ullswater Yacht Club)
1st Radial, Jonathan Nicoll (Ullswater Yacht Club)