Laser Direct Laser 2000 Series at Carsington Sailing Club
by Peter Bolton 19 May 2006 10:52 BST
13-14 May 2006
The Laser 2000s & 3000s race at Carsington SC © Mike Shaw /
www.fotoboat.com
The second round of the Laser 2000 Millennium Series sponsored by Laser Direct was hosted by Carsington Sailing Club on 13/14 May. The fleet of 23 included 17 visiting boats, with 2 making the journey from Loch Venacher in Scotland and a Welsh contingent drawn from both Bala and Cardiff. They were treated to two grey days at Carsington with light, fickle winds, intermittent rain and poor visibility with the banks of the Water disappearing at times into the murk and gloom. Fortunately the conditions failed to dampen the bonhommie and enthusiasm of the competitors.
Race Officer Kevan Bloor was able to complete the full programme of 6 races over the two days with a masterful display of windward-leeward course setting that enabled some tight, competitive sailing. 3 boats shared the first three places between them over the three races sailed on Saturday. Andy and Karen Baldwin won the first, Dave and Kate Eccles the second and Richard and Tom Bland the third. But it was Richard and Tom who finished the day ahead with 2 second places in addition to their first. After a pretty cold day on the water for May, a hot buffet in the clubhouse followed by music from live band “Frayed Knot” (comprising several of the local 2000 sailors) gave the opportunity for everyone to warm up again.
Although the wind direction changed substantially on the Sunday, the damp greyness prevailed. The Blands went from strength to strength by winning both races 4 and 5 to seal their victory for the event. Photographer Mike Shaw was on hand to photograph the final race, but made a slightly unorthodox arrival to the race area on board the event organiser’s 2000, raising a few eyebrows. The comedy theme continued with said boat being photographed at the start travelling in the opposite direction to the rest of the fleet having crossed the line prematurely on port tack. Carrying a photographer can bring you luck though, and the last laugh, because this boat won the last race!
Overall Results:
1st 2549 Richard & Tom Bland (Carsington) 5pts
2nd 21109 Dave & Kate Eccles (Bala) 8pts
3rd 21462 Andy & Karen/Mark Baldwin (Grafham) 11pts
4th 21826 Tom & Susannah Rosoman (Sandringham) 12pts
5th 2719 Peter & Rachel Bolton (Carsington) 14pts