Laser Open Meeting at Frensham Pond Sailing Club

Frensham was at its best. The wind blew nicely, at times even strongly, from the North East or thereabouts all day, no rain, and even some sunshine. I say 'thereabouts' for, being Frensham, the wind direction was flicking around, presenting challenges to both our Race Officer, Katie Shorrock, and the competitors.

One result was that we sailed four different courses for the four races. The lovely weather meant that we had an excellent turnout, with six 4.7s, six Radials and twenty-seven Standards, the majority being visitors from sixteen different clubs. It made for a crowded pond, and it felt like much more.

In the 4.7 fleet, the morning racing was dominated by Deborah Hughes from Burghfield, but Ellen Morley from Burnham was showing an improving scoreline, dominating the afternoon's racing. The resulting tie had to be broken, in favour of Ellen, on the result of the last race.

In the Radial Fleet, Jonty Freeman from Newhaven had a perfect scoreline, but the next two places had to be broken again by the last race, with Jack Hardie from Frensham coming out on top.

In the Standard Fleet, after three races there were three different winners, with none of them having a second place, so although the eventual winner was ahead at this stage, there was nothing certain. In the end, David Jessop of Papercourt clinched it with a second race win, giving him victory by a comfortable margin. But again the next two places had to be separated by tie-breaking, with Matthew Hill for Frensham coming out on top, and Nigel Rolfe of Parkstone in third place.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, with a lot of close racing all the way through the three fleets.