Laser Open Meeting at Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club

The day dawned bright but rather breezeless as the 33 entrants prepared for the annual Open Meeting at Island Barn. Fortunately by the time of the first race a gentle force 1-2 southerly breeze was settling over the reservoir. The fleet got away at the first attempt with Daniel Francis (Papercourt) calling all the right shifts to get an absolute flyer, comfortably leading at the first mark from past winner Graham Lund (Aldenham) and these two stretched away from the pack.

The second race in perhaps the best wind of the day saw the fleet starting to get slightly twitchy with a couple of individual recalls. Graham Lund took charge, first at the windward mark Graham dominated the race pulling away to count a first and second at lunch. Behind him Kevin Pearson long time Island Barn sailor but entered under Thames banner was starting to put a very consistent series together counting a fifth and third.

During lunch the experienced Race Officer warned the fleet that an I flag (or black flag) was likely if they continued to push their luck on the start. Suitably refreshed by the excellent lunch the third race started in good conditions although the ominous clouds were rolling in over Sandown Park. First at the windward mark was Kevin Pearson followed by John McKelvie (Webley) with local sailor Paul Wrigt-Anderson third.

Down the run Paul showed great speed and by end it was Paul from Kevin with Graham Lund pulling through to third. All still to play for in the last race… With the wind starting to ebb away as the misty drizzle rolled in and a tight situation at the top of the order Race four began with a general recall, but on the second attempt Kevin Pearson popped out of the leeward end with good speed to punch clear of the fleet heading left. Graham Lund started about two thirds down the line but immediately showed great speed to tack and clear the starboard fleet. By the windward mark it was the top two overall fighting it out. Kevin just ahead of Graham with these two comfortably clear of John Peck who led a close bunch fighting for third.

Downwind Graham Lund showed great boat-speed to overhaul Kevin and move into a lead he never looked like losing. By the second windward mark Kevin was in a close fight with John Peck – both making multiple tacks within a few lengths of the mark as they wrestled for tactical advantage with Kevin rounding just inches ahead of John but their antics allowed Daniel Francis to close right up. Down the run there was nothing between places 2,3,4 while Graham Lund sailed serenely on to take his second bullet and convincingly win the meeting.

As the wind petered out Daniel Francis crept home second from Kevin third. Further back down the fleet the Radials and 4.7s were having their own battles, with Michael Calvert claiming top radial, Simon Hamment top 4.7. and Peter Hamment with a full rig in 10th overall took the under 18s. Local sailor Clare James comfortably took first lady.

Overall Results:

1st Master – Kevin Pearson
1st Radial – Michael Calvert
1st U18 – Peter Hamment
1st Lady – Clare James
1st 4.7 Simon Hamment