Laser Midland Grand Prix 2014 Round 1 at Chelmarsh Sailing Club

Many of the 42 Laser Sailors who left home with the wind blowing 15 to 20 knots were disappointed to arrive at Chelmarsh Sailing Club for round 1 of the 2014 Laser Midland Grand Prix to find absolutely no wind at all. However, they were not to be disappointed, by the first race the forecast 14 knt breeze (and sun) had arrived. This shifty breeze with 20knts gusts prompted a few capsizes, but by the end of the day everyone including the lightweights who opted for Standard rigs agreed it couldn't have been a better start to the series which is sponsored by Wildwind and Rooster.

The event was won by Craig Williamson from Staunton Harold Sailing Club who won all three races. This result doesn't reflect the closeness of the racing and Craig was pushed hard all day. Craig joined the leaders early in race 1 but dropped back to around 10th only to opt for the left side of the next beat to get what all but Craig claimed to be a lucky shift to regain the lead. He was pushed by Cameron Smith from Chelmarsh throughout the race who finished second. Graham Flynn from Chase made steady progress throughout the race to finish in 3rd place.

In the second race Youth sailor Edward Higson from Bartley took an early lead followed by Richard Coates from the home club. Craig Williamson managed to get past Richard and pursued Edward who was making the most of the shifts to maintain his lead for the majority of the race, but Craig managed to find some superior downwind boat speed to close the gap and eventually take the lead on the final lap which he held to the finish in front of Edward. Again Graham Flynn pulled through the fleet to take his second third place of the day.

In the final race ex Laser Association Chairman John Ling opted for the port end of a very congested port biased start line, realising that the wind had swung further port was able to tack and clear the fleet with about 10 seconds to go. This start gave him clear wind and the ability to tack when he wanted up the first beat to have a clear lead around the windward mark. Craig Williamson extracted himself from the pack to chase John down leading to an exciting final lap when the lead changed several times with Craig having the advantage across the finish line. Edward Higson sailed into third place and whilst couldn't quite catch the leaders was rarely challenged for third place to leave him in second place overall. Cameron Smith finished 4th behind the leading pack to leave him third overall with Paul Jones from the home club gaining his best position of the day in fifth.

In the various prize categories, Edward Higson was fist Youth, Graham Flynn first Master, Samantha Bunn (Chelmarsh) the first Lady and Jamie Cuxon (Earlswood) the first Radial. A special mention should go to Trimpley Sailing Club who took 9 nine boats.

The next event of the series is at Tamworth on Saturday 22nd March. Further details can be found at the following here.

Results after Round 1: