Laser South Coast Grand Prix at Chichester Yacht Club

Standard rig start during the Chichester Laser open © Chichester YC

Radial rig start during the Chichester Laser open © Chichester YC

4.7 rig start during the Chichester Laser open © Chichester YC

Saturday saw a 24 strong contingent of Laser Sailors make their way to Chichester Yacht Club for the last races of the South Coast Grand Prix Laser Series. Racing was in all three Laser Fleets; Standard, Radial and 4.7. With an early tide, Race Officer Derek Jackman got the racing off on time for the three Races. The lovely sunshine, and temperate F3-4 made comfortable but fun conditions for the sailors. All three races in all fleets got off to clear starts.

In the Laser standard Fleet in Race 1 Andy Palmer-Felgate (CYC) got an early lead, but was soon passed by Craig Williamson (HISC), and Richie Bailey (Emsworth SC), and later by Michael Hicks (Queen Mary SC), with Craig finishing First. Race two saw a shift in tide with Jonathan Bailey (ASA Thorney) taking an early lead ahead of Chris Ellyatt (Queen Mary SC) and Craig Williamson. By the final lap, Chris had got ahead taking first with, Craig second & Jonathan Bailey 3rd. In the final race with the field still open, while the wind dropped a little, the tide was running out faster. Although le Jonathan Bailey got a great start, local Andy Palmer-Felgate got past early on and managed to maintain his lead through 4 laps, to win the final race.

In the Laser Radials in Race 1 Martyn Jones (DQSC) got an early lead and maintained this until race end. Meanwhile Sue Ritchie (Newport) was initially ahead of Tim Boon (CYC), Tim got past Sue in lap two and stayed ahead taking 2nd with Sue 3rd, In Race 2 William Birchill (QMSC/HISC) got an early lead, but Andy Chapman (Netley SC) got past in lap 3 to take 1st with William 2nd. Again the third race was the decider. Martyn Jones made a determined start and managed to keep ahead throughout taking first and also winning overall with Sue Ritchie 2nd and Tim Boon 3rd.

The smaller 4.7 Fleet saw Alex Butler (HISC) sailing really well to take three 1st places and win overall. The remaining three boats and a bit more of a battle for places, with during the races, with places swapping especially in the first two races. In the end Alex Mayger (Felpham) took two 2nd places and second overall and Jack Acton (Christchurch) one 2nd, third overall.

All the sailors retired for a Chichester Yacht Club 'tea' and Prize Giving. The South Coast Grand Prix is sponsored by Rooster Sailing and Wildwind Sailing Holidays.

Chichester Laser open prize giving - photo © Chichester YC

Overall Results: