Laser South Coast and South West Grand Prix at Sutton Bingham Sailing Club

by Chris Jones 2 Oct 2018 11:07 BST 29 September 2018

The annual Laser Open meeting at Sutton Bingham, held on Saturday 29th September, attracted sailors from as far afield as Plymouth and the Isle of Wight despite a dismal wind forecast. The joint South Coast and South West Grand Prix traveller series sponsored by Rooster Sailing attracted 14 entries, the majority being local club members.

Sailors were greeted by brilliant sunshine, but hardly a breath of wind and the entire lake was like a glassy mill pond. Gradually a few ripples appeared in patches, which was enough to tempt the keener sailors to get out on the water to test the conditions, but Race Officer, Tim Robertson rightly postponed proceedings until something approaching a steadier breeze materialised.

A lunch of Jacket Potatoes fuelled competitors for two afternoon races, which finally got underway at around 2pm. The predominantly northerly breeze meant that racing for the two fleets; Standard and Radial rigs, were held up and down the Halstock leg of the lake. Just prior to the first start the wind swung southward and it looked like it would be a downwind start rather than the preferred upwind first leg, however, in the closing minutes before race 1 got under way the wind reversed in direction and increased a little to provide some decent racing.

The name of the game was definitely hunting for the best pressure and maintaining momentum in the light airs. In the Standard fleet it was series leader Jon Emmett who quickly developed a commanding lead, whilst close racing ensued behind. During the race it was young Archie Coates and Mervyn Clark that broke away from the bunch to take 2nd and 3rd. In the second race youths, Will Owen and Archie Coates made the best decision off the start line to benefit from better breeze up the first beat, however, Emmett's experience showed, coming through to win the race by a comfortable margin. The lower order Standard rig sailors decided to head for shore early to be first to enjoy the complimentary tea and cakes.

There was close action in the Radials with Chris Jones taking an early lead but being overhauled by Arthur Farley on the second beat. Jones closed the gap on the final run, but didn't quite establish an inside overlap at the final mark before the short beat to the finish line.

The second race determined the overall standings in the Radial fleet with Jones securing the race win by eaking out a slight speed advantage to overtake Farley in a nail-biting finish. With points tied Jones took the fleet win on count back.

At the prize giving the Race Officer was congratulated on getting two satisfactory races in under testing conditions and making it an enjoyable and worthwhile event for the travellers and club members alike.

Overall Results:

Pos	Sail No	Helm	Club	R1	R2	Pts
Standard Rig
1st	210430	Jon Emmett	Wier Wood SC	1	1	2
2nd	174483	Archie Coates	Sutton Bingham SC	2	3	5
3rd	4	William Owen	Sutton Bingham SC	6	2	8
4th	136020	Kelsey Green	Sutton Bingham SC	5	4	9
5th	201481	Graham Dyer	Restronguet SC	7	5	12
6th	176843	Mervyn Clark	Sutton Bingham SC	3	DNF	15
7th	115372	Tony Strugnell	Sutton Bingham SC	9	6	15
8th	192843	Richard Heaton	Sutton Bingham SC	4	DNF	16
9th	86260	Ed Crutchley	Sutton Bingham SC	8	DNS	20
10th	214190	Sally Owen	Sutton Bingham SC	10	DNS	22
11th	143519	Max Roberston	Sutton Bingham SC	DNS	DNS	24
Radial Rig
1st	210262	Chris Jones	Sutton Bingham SC	2	1	3
2nd	214000	Arthur Farley	Royal Victoria YC	1	2	3
3rd	143610	Kristian Shafer	Brading Haven YC	3	3	6