Laser Northern Grand Prix at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club

Laser Northern Grand Prix at Yorkshie Dales © Mark Wigglesworth

There are times you hope that the weather forecasters get it wrong. In this case they didn't and the predicted 21-32 mph westerly did turn up. Many would be entrants, aware of Grimwith's reputation for wind, were put off however an excellent entry of 18 was still achieved.

Race 1 – Whilst the fleet launched and were ready for the race, the Committee boat had major issues anchoring. This lead to a long delay and a major re-think of the course by the PRO – Jonathan Lister and the race team. Eventually, with the Committee boat anchored on the shore and the race course reconfigured for the flatter part of the reservoir the race got underway. Some, by this stage had already decided it was too windy for them and had retired. For the rest, the fun was about to commence. James Tulley, for once, using his very long frame, powered up the first beat chasing the more mature Tinsley fellow. Weight and Age difference (about 35 years) proved to be a key advantage in these conditions. Tacking in short, very steep waves is an art form as many found out and Tinsley had a sizable lead at the windward mark. However, the nice PRO had also placed 2 gybes on the course and these would prove challenging especially as the first one was under the dam wall. Age caught up with the leader at the first gybe where he decided to have a rest and let the fleet catch up. However, this only proved a short rest and he powered away to win the race by a considerable margin. Tulley came in 2nd with the Ian Escritt in 3rd.

The PRO then turned the race round quickly and we were soon into the 2nd race.

Race 2 – same course, same challenges but a bit more tired and less numbers. Again, Tinsley lead by a long way at the windward mark however decided to park at the gybe for a rest again allowing the rest to catch him up. He then stretched his lead out over Escritt and Joe Scurrah on the 2nd lap to then have a rest again on the same gybe and on the subsequent run also. The latter rest allowed Scurrah and Escritt to catch him up and ensure a close finish with every one just about hanging on.

Over lunch the windy continued to blow hard and the consensus was that we all had had enough for the day. Therefore, Graham Tinsley won the Laser 2016 open from Ian Escritt and Jack Hopkins for Delph.

Finally, a thank you to the race team for enduring under such harsh conditions and Vanessa for lunch, Mark for the Photo and most importantly to the competitors who braved the conditions. Maybe one day we will see the 15 times Northern Grand Prix champion on a big lake... maybe!