Lymington Town Sailing Club Winter Dinghy Series - Race 5
by Tony Stickland 7 Nov 2016 14:50 GMT
6 November 2016
Despite a forecast for a brisk North Westerly wind, the competitors launched into less than 10 knots which then built during the race to a fresh breeze of 18 knots with repeated shifts over a good 30 degrees range.
The Fast start saw Mike and June Baker, in their RS400, and Giles Chipperfield, in his D-one, right up under Baverstock's bow in a perfectly timed start. The main body of the fleet were close behind whilst Declan Clamp, in his A Class catamaran, decided whether both hulls needed to pass the same side of the ODM.
The Medium fleet saw Olivia Burt, in her Laser, and Richard Russel with Sylvia Weger, in his Taser, both get away cleanly close under Baverstock and leading their fleet. A close competition followed between the three RS700s, with Toby Collyer staying in control throughout, whilst Rich Keaton pushed it too hard and eventually capsized, letting Richard Lilley through.
Meanwhile, at the end of the second lap the Declan Clamp shot through the line like a bullet on his A Class catamaran, leaving Giles Chipperfield and Richard Lilley standing, before a few capsizes cooled his enthusiasm to continue.
Race 5 Results:
Fast fleet
1st Giles Chipperfield (D-one)
2nd Matthew Thomas & Steve Nicholas (RS400)
3rd Toby Collyer (RS700)
Medium fleet
1st Neville Herbert & Karl Thorne (Merlin Rocket)
2nd Richard Russell & Sylvia Weger (Tasar)
3rd Mark Barwell & Louise Johnson (Merlin Rocket)
Mark & Louise officially named their Merlin 'Strung Along' after the race.
The LTSC Winter Series, generously supported by Harken, continues on Sunday 20th November with race 9. Those interested in getting involved can contact the Sailing Secretary on for information.