RC Laser Winter Series at West Lancashire Yacht Club - Day 1
by Andrew Kissick 10 Jan 2014 13:43 GMT
5 January 2014
The forecast said 25 knots and rising, with rain at midday, and they were right... but RC sailors tend to be occasionally a little unhinged! 7 Dragons and 19 Lasers made the trip for what turned out to be a superb day's racing.
The Dragons managed 11 races, with John Tushingham, who along with two other experienced skippers is the driving force behind the boat, winning comfortably from wife Liz. Tony Wilson was third, with the remaining skippers getting to grips with new boats in very testing conditions.
There was some minor damage, mostly down build techniques. All will be better prepared next time, and have vowed to be back!
In the Lasers, the current World Champion, Dave Fowler was beaten into 3rd position, by Adam Kissick and Shaun Holbech, only separated by 3points. The Laser is the true epitome of one design racing, and has had a much longer time to get to grips with the elements.
Again, 11 races were held, and it was only the last few that brought about any significant number of drop-outs. With surprisingly close racing throughout the fleet, in what were extreme conditions, the racing was good and competitive. There was no significant damage to any of the boats, a real testimony to their build quality.
So, what with very challenging sailing, a good lunch and coffee/tea available all day (thank you Alan), experienced skippers passing on help and advice, and a very friendly group of sailors with a general buzz of excitement, the day was a real success. All have vowed to be back, so we must be doing something right.
The next race day in the Series is Sunday 19th Jan and all will be welcome. For further details, just Google 'fairhaven lasers'.
Day 1 Results:
RG65
1st John Tushingham, Keighley
2nd Liz Tushingham, Keighley
3rd Tony Wilson, Fleetwood
RC Laser
1st Shaun Holbech, Fleetwood
2nd Adam Kissick, Blackpool and Fylde
3rd Dave Fowler, Kingsmill
The six race day series, one each fortnight, will end on Sunday 16th March. If you would like to be involved, come on down, and someone is sure to put a transmitter into your trembling hands!