Sailingfast Laser 4.7 World & European Qualifier Event at Rutland Sailing Club

On 9th & 10th February, Rutland Sailing Club hosted the Sailingfast Laser 4.7 World and European Qualifier event. Over 44 intrepid Laser sailors made the journey, despite the Storm Erik weather warning.

Saturday saw the sailors greeted with wind in excess of 30 knots, which was forecast to drop as the day progressed. A decision was made at 11:45 to launch the fleet as the wind had dropped to below 25 knots. As luck would have it, as soon as the fleet was launching, the wind bounced back to 30 plus knots. The following 20 minutes saw most boats capsizing at least twice and led to the decision to send the fleet ashore.

David Rowlands, the Race Officer for weekend, reported that the Committee Boat was struggling to stay upright in the wind and waves. After an hour ashore, all racing was postponed until the next day.

On Sunday the sailors were greeted to a complete contrast in weather. Saturday whilst very windy, had been mild. Sunday saw light winds, rain and temperatures just above freezing.

The first race was sailed in a force 3. Drew Gibbons from West Kirby S.C. quickly pulled out a big lead and won very comfortably from Thomas Williamson, whilst the Issy Leetch led the girls home.

By the start of race 2 the wind was beginning to pick up as forecast, the girls showed the boys how to sail, with Coco Barrett winning from Island Barn S.C. closely followed by Liz Beardsall. In race 3 Kai Wolgram from Llyn Brenig won followed by Scott Forbes. Coco again led the girls.

By the time Race 4 had started the wind had picked up to force 4-5 and the fleet was beginning to look depleted as several boats decided they had had enough and came ashore for an early shower. The race was again won by Kai with Theo Gumbley second. Despite retiring from the last race Drew had done enough to secure the series win and the Winter Championship. The girls were led by Liz with Coco finishing next. This meant Coco had won the girls event, a fitting birthday present.

After four back to back races, tired and cold sailors returned to shore to be greeted by a massive rain shower-perfect for packing up the boat!

At prizing giving the Laser class thanked Rutland S.C for all their help and support in organising the event especially David Rowlands the Race Officer, Tom Rushbridge the UKLA Laser 4.7 Race Officer and all the safety crew. A special thank you was made to Sailingfast who generously donated all the prizes and are sponsoring the 2019 4.7 ladder events.

The Laser 4.7 class looks forward to returning in early May when hopefully the weather will be much kinder. Our next qualifier is at WPNSA on 9/10 March when the fleet are hoping for some milder weather.

Overall Results: