RC Laser Northern Championship at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
by Tony Wilson 30 Oct 2015 14:02 GMT
18 October 2015
Dave Fowler (840), 2015 National Champion, makes a champions start at the RC Laser Northern Championship © Robert Wheeler
Sunday 18th October was the day for the RC Laser Northern Championships at Fleetwood. The forecast was for a 10mph breeze straight down the favoured direction of this purpose built model boating lake. The National Champ Dave Fowler was to attend, so would there be a challenger.
The course set was to be with a start directly across the lake,heading left to the Pump station mark rounding to starboard,and across to the Boat house mark for another starboard turn.Back down and diagonally crossing the lake for 2 port roundings along the start line,and to repeat the process.Finally finishing back at the Boat house and to be recorded by Race Officer Tom Mills.
The first 6 races before lunch all in 'B' suits were virtually unchallenged, with only Shaun Holbeche taking one of the wins from Dave Fowler.
Midway results revealed Tony Wilson and Skip Reaser were tied with equal points for third.
Lots of gentle walking over the large course deserved the welcomed break. For those that regularly engage in RC Laser racing,what more could you want from an exercise that works the body and mind. There's only the small patter of feet to be heard when a Skippers boat is on top form.
Back to the afternoons racing still with the B rigs for a further 6 races,had Shaun and Dave alternating for first place.
Tony was somehow losing concentration and letting Skip ease ahead. Maybe it was Skip's turn to take the lead this time as they usually do tend to alternate at each event.
The wind did drop off on cue for a brief viewing of the large A sail to be used for the last couple of races.
We had a few old hands, experienced sailors in the background. Now and then you could hear them discussing tactics. I bet they wished they'd brought their boats.
At the end of the day it was a great triumph for Dave Fowler.
We had an enjoyable day in good company with unbeatable boats in nice surroundings.As the water had been recently replaced and topped up, you could see right down to the keels through the crystal clear water at lakeside level.
RC Lasers are a truly amazing boat at low maintenance costs. Replacement rudder servos cost as little as £8 and winch servos under £30, what more could you want? And all from a locally based supplier.
Overall Results: (top three)
1 Dave Fowler
2 Shaun Holbeche
3 Skip Reaser
For full results and information visit www.rclaser.org.uk