Laser Midlands Grand Prix Round 6 at Carsington Sailing Club

The sixth round of the Laser Midlands Grand Prix was held at Carsington Sailing Club on 19th May which attracted 24 boats including 8 radials. The wind was by far the strongest of all of the events in the series so far, at times reaching the top end of force 4. A rectangular course was set for all of the races making good use of the available water.

Race 1 started in a good force three but died down in the middle causing a rapid change in the sail settings for many of the boats as they were beating against the chop created by the earlier stronger wind. Rich Bennett (South Staffs) took an early lead, but was challenged later on in the race by Sam Knight (Bartley), Sam continued to apply the pressure to over take Rich and win the race by a small margin. Local sailors Andrew McLeish and Jon Swain battled it out for 3rd and 4th places. Meanwhile the first of the radials who lost out in the lighter wind in the middle of the race was Toby Woodings (Carsington) in 11th place.

The wind picked up to the top end of a force 4 for the second race which was held back to back with the first. After one general recall Jon Swain got the better of the conditions to hold off Craig Williamson (Staunton Harold) for his first win of the day. The leaders from the first race didn't fare quite as well with Rich Bennett coming third and Sam Knight 4th. The conditions of this race suited the Radials with Joe Scurrah 6th, Alice Woodings 7th and Guy Bracey 8th.

Five boats could have won the event going into the final race, but it was a repeat of race 2 at the front with Jon Swain leading from Craig Williamson. Tim Lowe (Redesmere) birefly joined the leaders but lost out when the wind picked up. Sam Knight worked hard to catch the leaaders but at the end of the race it was Swain, Williamson and Knght in that order giving Jon Swain his second Grand Prix win following his win at Blithfield the previous week. Joe Scurrah was first Radial again finishing in 9th making him first Radial overall.

This was the 6th event in the 2012 GP series sponsored by Wildwind Sailing and Rooster sailing, the series is currently being led by Paul Williamson (Staunton Harold) with Craig Williamson and Robert Marshall (Earlswood) in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. There are still thirteen events left within the series and with six to count there is still plenty off time for change. Jon Swain and Pete Newbery (Earlswood) have two wins each whilst Rob Lennox (Barnt Green) and Paul Williamson have both won one. The next event for is Barnt Green on Saturday 26th May.

Midlands Grand Prix Series Results: (after Round 6)