Laser 2000 Nationals at Penzance Sailing Club – Day 1

A strong wind start for the Laser 2000 Nationals at Penzance © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com

Fifty-one boats made the journey to Penzance for the 2008 Laser 2000 Nationals and were greeted with strong winds and buckets of rain but a warm welcome from the club and their members.

Sunday saw the start of the Championships; strong winds but at least the sun was shining and the rain had stopped. PRO Sam Kent decided to postpone the first race assuming that the wind would moderate as forecast.

Race 1 got under way with the wind gusting up to 30 knots from the South West, producing a short chop and dramatic wind shifts under the lee of the headland. After three laps in challenging conditions, Rob Burridge and Amy Hulley (2007 National Champions) won with Simon Horsfield & Clive Grant finishing second. For some, however, things were a little too exciting and after several spectacular capsizes they decided to head for the bar for an early beer.

Race two followed with the wind having increased and with sustained gusts recorded at over 32 knots. With a rare capsize Rob & Amy allowed Matt & Clare Sargent (2008 Inland Champions) to win with brothers McCulloch recording their second third position of the day.

The fleet includes entries spread from Scotland to the South coast and from Wales to Norfolk, with a significant number of youth helms and crews featuring in the top ten positions at the end of Day 1. Mounts Bay provides a superb backdrop to what is forecast to be more exciting sailing conditions for the remainder of the week.

Results after Day 1: