RC Laser Travellers' Trophy at Blackpool & Fylde Model Boat Club

RC Laser TT at Fairhaven © Tony Wilson

It's Sunday, the weather is OK-ish, so what do you do? Go sailing, watch the UEFA football big screen down the pub or stay at home dress-making. But for some it was a no brainer.

The racing location this time for the third event in the 2016 TT series was the seaside town of Lytham St Annes. It was also the yearly Club day and Carnival time for the locals.

Great company and a high calibre that included World Champion Dave Fowler, also as multiple Nationals winner along with Derek Priestly and the Northern Bell trophy holder Shaun Holbeche. These plus other great contenders to give what was going to be a real good day.

The rescue boat had been driven over to the newly purposeful refurbished pavilion to reshuffle the buoys, while a challenging course was being set. The favoured typical wind direction was along the lake from the overlooking Spitfire which was good.

12 skippers were to beat up the lake, perform two starboard roundings, cross over on the return for two port roundings back down the bottom end and repeat.

The forecast was about 14 degrees which was a little cool-ish for mid June Summer weather, and 14 MPH wind strength. Sun cream was applied just in case(the waterproof variety mind you) as rain was forecast to arrive mid afternoon.

Most started with their B rigs but it was on the border line at times for the next suit up.

Racing underway and it was a battle between the big guns, with the occasional threat from John Sharman and Tim Long.

Each race was recorded by Dianne hurriedly rushing over between her knitting rows and the alternated winners taking in turns were Dave and Shaun.

Midday results showed some pretty close racing after the scores were totted up, with five races completed.

Sustenance rest and toilet breaks concluded and back to the afternoon with a slight increase in wind strength and cloud cover. Some wiser ones decided early enough to add waterproof clothing. C rigs were put on by the not-so-brave.

The first spots of rain appeared about 2pm right on cue and the racing continued in great spirit. Don't you just love those fluky wind shifts that can give you the edge and ability to catch up on a couple of places.

At the end of the day as rain had started to gain momentum, there had been no clear winner. Third place had gone to John Sharman, that was a cert. But some in depth totting up had to go to the wire to decide the out and right winner. Usually when on equal points, a countback is used to get the person with the most seconds or thirds. But this time in went right back to the most fourth places.

It was David that was taking home the daily trophy.

On the way home driving along the prom you was able to reflect on what a great hobby/past time we all have. The light rain had settled in now and the kids were screaming and shouting as you past the Fairground by the water edge.

You couldn't have asked for a better location nor conditions for the day. It was just great. Some love the chase and will only improve their placings and ranking in the leagues by joining in with the top class sailing chaps of the country.

So put your names down for the next races held here in the Fylde. Check out www.rclaser.org.uk for additional dates on the calendar.....best 3 to count.

RC Laser TT at Fairhaven - photo © Tony Wilson