Laser Midland Grand Prix 2014 Round 4 at Barnt Green Sailing Club
by Paul Williamson 15 Apr 2014 07:40 BST
12 April 2014
Laser Midland Grand Prix at Barnt Green © Mike Homer
Round 4 of the 2014 sponsored by Wildwind Holidays and Rooster Sailing was held at Barnt Green just south of Birmingham on Saturday 12th April. The forecast 15knt wind didn't disappoint the 25 helms who turned out for the event. The wind forecast saw a mix of Standard, Radial and 4.7 Rigs take to the water. The gusts and sudden wind shifts caught many of the competitors out particularly when fatigue set in as the day progressed.
Five boats battled it out at the front of the fleet for most of the day. Rob Lennox from the home club used his local knowledge to good effect, but was caught out by a collision, a capsize and eventually a broken boom. However, it was John Ling from Bartley winning both races two and three who was the eventual winner. Cameron Smith from Chelmarsh added two third places to his win in the first race to take second. Several time winner of the event Rich Bennett (Staunton Harold) had a consistent day to come 2nd in all three races, but this was only good enough for him to take third place. The remaining two places within the top five were taken by Rob Lennox in 4th and Paul Keeling in 5th. Jamie Cuxson was first Youth in 10th place.
Paul Williamson from Staunton Harold was first in the Radial Fleet (6th overall) with fellow club sailor Eleanor Craig second and first Junior (12th overall) and Sarah Alton third (15th overall). Rory Bush dropped down from his Standard rig to sail well in Races 2 and 3 to be first 4.7 in 14th place overall.
After 4 events Andy Allan from Trimpley leads the series from Jamie Cuxson and Edward Higson from Bartley. Rebecca Grimshaw is the first Radial in 12th place overall. This season has seen many new faces on the circuit many of these are youth and juniors. The series is aimed at all Laser sailors, particularly club sailors from the Midland and surrounding regions. With 20 events and only six to qualify there is still plenty of chance to compete. The next event is at Swarkstone on 4th May.
More details can be found at sites.google.com/site/uklasermidlandgrandprix2013/home