Laser EPS National Champs at Burton Sailing Club
by John Codner 20 Jun 2010 17:44 BST
12-13 June 2010
The 2010 Laser EPS Nationals were held at Burton SC on 12/13 June, arriving to see a fluky wind from 0 to force 2 the 11 strong fleet got away in the first race with Rob Dangerfield setting the pace with every body else place changing with hopes raised then dashed but when it mattered at the finish.
Andy Jones brother of previous champion Matt Jones had a quick run to the leeward mark and just caught Rob on the line with Howard Astley-Jones picking his way through to 3rd. The second race started in steadier conditions but there was still plenty of place changing right through the fleet but John Codner held on to 1st with Claire Ellis showing good form in the lighter conditions to take 2nd and Andy Leeson showing great improvement to take 3rd.
The third race on the first day had all the previous placed boats really mixing it with Simon Bates showing better speed and holding the lead for a while but was unable to protect his position on the run which was difficult as boats from behind caught puffs and accelerated closing gaps of 50 yards or more.
At the final leeward mark John was just ahead of Rob but Rob sqeezed to windward on a lift to just lay the finish bouy to take the race from John and another good performance from Andy Leeson in 3rd.
Sunday had a wind from the west and the first course was a triangle with John gaining a 50 yard lead at the first mark which was extended to over a leg of the course having put a sizeable portion of the Miracle fleet between him and the rest of the fleet where all the action was with Rob closing the Gap to 75 yards at the finish and Howard in 3rd.
Race 5 had Rob in the lead at the first windward leg with Claire,Howard and John close behind with the first 3 electing to go left up the second beat and John went right to come out ahead by fifty yards which was maintained to the finish after Simon sailed into second with Howard in 3 rd.The final race was sailed in an increasing breeze with Howard showing previous championship form to take the race with Claire 2nd and Rob 3rd.
Results
1st John Codner 9pts
2nd Rob Dangerfield 14 pts
3rd Howard Astley-Jones 15pts
4th Claire Ellis 19pts