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Solo Thames Valley Circuit at Reading Sailing Club

by Clive Evans 29 Apr 2008 08:37 BST 27 April 2008

Maiden win for McLaughlin

17 boats including 7 home boats competed in round 3 of the Solo Thames Valley circuit 2008. The day began with a thunder storm but conditions gradually improved during the day with race 3 held in a good force 2-3.

The conditions in race one were light and patchy leading to frequent position changes. The race was eventually won by Godfrey Clark (FGSC) from Joe McLaughlin (Tamesis) and Will Loy (Reading) third who had fought his way up from near last at the first mark.

Race two saw a breakaway pack of Clive Evans (Reading), Rob Wilder (Tamesis) and McLaughlin. A gust from behind saw Wilder drop back into the pack leaving Evans and McLaughlin to swap places at the front. At the end of the race it was McLaughlin who finished first followed by Evans. Wilder regained position to take an important third.

The final race was held in the best breeze of the day. A shift on the first beat favoured those who had heading left. First around the mark were Wilder and Claire Clark (FGSC) who comfortably held their positions to the end. Godfrey Clark managed to escape the pack of 5 or 6 boats to take third.

Wilder's win in race three elevated him to second overall ahead of Clark on count back. McLaughlin secured his debut open win with his first two results of the day.

Overall Results:

1st Joe McLaughlin, 4850 (Tamesis SC)
2nd Rob Wilder, 4836 (Tamesis SC)
3rd Godfrey Clark, 4120 (Fishers Green SC)
4th Clive Evans, 4703 (Reading SC)
5th Will Loy, 4835 (Reading SC)
6th Simon Corper, 4816 (Reading SC)

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