RC Laser Autumn Series at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club - Day 1
by Tony Wilson 3 Oct 2016 08:08 BST
2 October 2016
With 3mph from the East it was "Get the big sails out" conditions. This was the forecast when checking out XC Weather early doors Friday morning in anticipation of the first of the Autumn Series for Fleetwood Lasers.
With the regular invitation from our Elizabeth asking for a yes or no to come sailing, Tony was now thinking is he better off staying at home or go down his local RC flying club as the conditions might be better suited for playing with his toy airplanes. Maybe the other guys in the club were thinking similar. On the day, those that came in from Cleveleys said there was no wind at all 3 miles into their journey.
We decided to start midway up the lake in the actual 6mph breeze that was just about filling the whole lake. Heading east towards the pump station mark on the first beat, all starboard roundings, across to the boathouse and then the 2 marks down at the other end of the lake and finally finishing on the same start line.
A fair turnout of 9 skippers were there to jam in the 6 races Trevor, our Race Officer, had planned to complete before lunch.
There were a few niggly bits of banter going on as certain rules were a bit unclear and would need some clarification over the lunch break. Eric Reid, our Stalwart veteran, was keen to assist and consult one of the great rule book gems in the clubhouse bookshelf.
It was Eric that was actually in the lead by now, 1 point ahead of Tony. Even with a discard he'd be in front.
The forecast drop in wind occured ahead and the ripples on the lake soon disappeared. Peter Isles was quick to think up a new course for the afternoon's sailing that was bang on, even though there was some groaning and head shaking from the ranks.
3 races around the central area of the lake that took a while before tiredness or lack of enjoyment was starting to creep in, and then a final race just as it picked up a touch to conclude.
6 of the 9 skippers posted a first place, which shows some close racing going on, but it was Eric's 5 wins that gave him the day.
Day 1 Results: (top 3)
1 Eric Reid
2 John Plant
3 Garry Benson