RC Laser Winter Series at West Lancashire Yacht Club - Day 2

Another interesting day in the learning curve. This is the first major Open Series in the country that has two different RC boats racing at the same time. There are lessons to be learned, and small changes will be made as the series progresses.

The weather was kind, with a bright day and light winds, a good bit warmer than we have a right to expect in mid January.

RC Lasers

With a fleet of 16 Lasers and 12 races, it was always going to be busy. A triangular course, with all boats using the big A rig, made for some good racing.

5 new skippers joined us this week, but the usual suspects made most of the running. By lunchtime, and 6 races, Shaun Holbech continued his good run, with 4 First places, Dave Fowler and Andy Kissick taking the others.

Tom Walton, Delph, sailed well after a long time away, but had to leave at lunch time. After lunch the course was changed to windward/leeward, and there was a bit of boat swapping, even inter fleet swaps which our Sailing Instructions allow, but it made little difference to the overall positions. Shaun counted 1st and 2nds, Jim Lydon, Fleetwood, continued his steady improvement, and a generally good time was had by all.

The lowering wind strength caused a few problems when the two fleets clashed at buoy roundings, but the race officers have already come up with solutions for next time.

1st Shaun Holbech, 19 (Fleetwood)
2nd Dave Fowler, 22 (Kingsmill)
3rd Andy Kissick, 40 (Blackpool and Fylde)
4th John Sharman, 43 (Fleetwood)

RG65 Dragon Force

10 skippers turned out on Sunday, up from 7 last time.

This Series is the first Open Dragon Force Series to be held anywhere in the Country, and the Club is pleased with the take up. A further 4 West Lancs members have ordered Dragons, and hopefully they will arrive in time for the next day's racing.

Once again, John Tushingham had a field day, but the tussle between Liz Tushingham, Keighley, Graham Whalley, Manor Park and Tim Long, Llandudno, with Tom Mills, Fleetwood, throwing in the odd spanner, made for some excellent racing.

An 11th boat was used for most of the afternoon by guest helms, one of whom made the podium on 3 occasions, including one win. He has now ordered a Dragon!

1st John Tushingham, 10 (Keighley)
2nd Liz Tushingham, 24 (Keighley)
3rd Graham Whalley, 30 (Manor Park)
4th Tim Long, 30 (Llandudno)

Each day counts as a separate race, with simple prizes, but the overall trophy will be decided on 50% of the total number of races sailed. As the series goes on, the score could get very interesting.

For full results, Google fairhavenlasers.

The next race day is Sunday 2nd Feb and all are welcome.