Medway RC Laser Winter Series - Day 4

Medway RC Laser Winter Series day 4 © Jamie Blair

Medway RC Laser Winter Series day 4 © Jamie Blair

Medway RC Laser Winter Series day 4 © Jamie Blair

Today, unlike last week, we were not blown off the water. Bright sunshine and a calm 5-6 knots from the East attracted 12 racers for the morning series of races. We greeted our newest sailor Mark Penny for the launch of his Christmas present, which was properly doused with some fizz before racing commenced.

Our course was placed in front of the café and followed the usual format of triangle sausage. In the run of races before coffee the length of line you could have said was a bit short and with port bias. Despite the efforts of the starboard boats a number of daring sailors plumped for the port flier. Tony Alexander proved that risks do pay off. He and Tony Owens juggled with being in 1st place for the day with the end of every race. All the racing was kept within the rules with Robert Owens calling those OCS and providing advice for all the contacts during the morning. The advice on rule observance was found to be extremely useful and only one protest was heard off the water. First race out this year for Jon Moon and he hasn't lost any of the speed he had last year. Loads of people to mention – too many, so apologies.

Coffee was taken and the odd bacon role after 6 races. Light winds kept the race numbers down and racing was to get even more difficult in the second half. Starting became even more competitive; the longer start line didn't deter the port fliers and the light breezes made the decision of when to pull the trigger hard too. Too late and the port fliers scooted through too early and you were over the line. We last two races – one to an abandonment leading to the windward mark being moved and another as a general recall. Places change regularly so loads to be gained or lost. 12 boats meant that mark rounding was often crowded and provision of "Mark Room" well practiced.

So after 10 races, varying and shifting wind the overall first place swap was ended. Tony Owens took first place by one point to Tony Alexander; three points behind Jamie Blair. Mark Penny did make it round almost all races, suffering the loss of a rudder in race 3 but was soon on the water with a spare from one of the other boats.

So pleased to see 12 boats out today and with so much competition. Points are now building for the overall for the Winter Series but it is early days for a true front runner.

Next week as usual – see you then.

Day 4 Results: