Laser Open at Great Moor Sailing Club

17 race in light winds at the Great Moor Laser open © GMSC

17 race in light winds at the Great Moor Laser open © GMSC

The forecast was for 4 Knots from a northerly direction, the early arrivals were able to watch the overnight cloud burn off and the wind fill in to a north easterly at the forecast 4-5 knots.

The race officer, Alan Rand, set a simple figure of 8 course that could be varied should the conditions alter. The format was 4 races, 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, 3 to count.

The 17 starters for the first race were out on the water waiting for the 5 minute gun when the wind backed to the north, necessitating a course change. The first race was marred by 3 General Recalls, leading to a Black Flag. When the first race finally got underway the fleet split in two on the first beat. Martin Evans from Dabchicks led the first lap before a tussle with Graham Lund of Broxbourne. Dan Leslie (Great Moor) hauled himself ahead of the mid orders and was catching the leading pair on the last lap before getting stuck behind a back marker. The first race finished with Martin Evans first, Graham Lund second and Dan Leslie third.

Race 2 was subject to the same variable winds, this time however the 18 racers got off to a clean start, Andi Riley taking an early lead. The second lap saw the wind move again creating a fetch. The variable wind strength was the cause of much frustrating bunching. Andi managed to hold off a serious challenge from 4 other boats on the downwind leg and hung on to take the win, with Duncan Jenkins from Aldenham coming through to grab 2nd, Martin Evans taking third.

After lunch the course changed yet again as the wind continued to back. Race 3 started cleanly with Duncan Jenkins getting off to a flying start, clear of the rest of the fleet by 50yds at the end of the first lap. However further changes to the wind allowed Jarvis Simpson to catch up. Between them they opened up a gap on the rest of the fleet, where positions were frequently changing. A very close finish saw Duncan Jenkins pip Jarvis Simpson with Andi Riley getting third.

Alan had to adjust the course again for the 4th race which got off to a clean start. Andi Riley and Graham Lund quickly opened up a lead on the rest of the field. The following pack changed places in the flucky winds causing some lively debate at the marks. A close last lap saw Martin Evans in 3rd and Jarvis Simpson in 4th catching the leading pair. In the end, however, a win for Graham Lund was not enough to prevent Andi Riley taking the day.

Overall Results:

Trophies:

Seniors
1. Andi Riley (Stewartby)
2. Graham Lund (Broxbourne)
3. Martin Evans (Dabchicks)

Youth
1. Martin Evans (Dabchicks)
2. Duncan Jenkins (Aldenham)