Laser 2000 Millennium Series Overall

Testing conditions for the Millennium Series at Chichester © Clare Turnbull / www.fotoboat.com

It started with a whimper and ended with a growl! The Laser 2000 Millennium Series, generously sponsored by LaserDirect and with youth entries supported by Noble Marine comprised of seven events, starting at Bough Beech in early May and ending at Rutland in mid-October.

Conditions were just as unpredictable for the intervening events at Carsington, Broadstairs, Chichester, Castle Cove and Draycote, but this did not deter our intrepid sailors with attendance often into the mid-thirties and a total of 98 entries for the overall series.

Whilst the racing was competitive throughout the fleet, there were even more demanding challenges off the water, with host clubs vying to lay on the best programme of evening entertainment, including a ‘beauty’ competition, belly dancers and numerous comedians.

Ultimately the series results were dominated by teams from Weir Wood SC. Rob & Katie Burridge quickly established a series lead that would not be overturned, despite a number of strong challenges from the Hulleys, both senior and junior. And as is often the case within the 2000 fleet, family crews were predominant, eventually taking nine of the top ten places.

2009 marks the 10th anniversary of the Laser 2000 Class Association and will be celebrated at a number of events throughout the year. The National Championships will be held at Hayling Island Sailing Club and, weather permitting, there will be ‘sail past’ on the Sunday, continuing down the length of Chichester Harbour to Dell Quay SC and Chichester YC for a birthday tea before returning to Hayling. Racing will take place Monday to Friday.

The 2009 Inland Championships will be held at Ullswater Yacht Club. This event also combines the Scottish Championships, Caledonian Ring and Millennium Series, creating the perfect opportunity for our ‘Northern’ and ‘Southern’ fleets to combine for this unique 10th Anniversary event.

Thanks again to LaserDirect, Noble Marine and Fotoboat for your support this year. We look forward to seeing all our colleagues and some new faces next year.

Millennium Series Overall Results: