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RC Laser Winter Series event 4 at Barton Point Country Park Lake

by Jamie Blair 2 Jan 16:05 GMT 29 December 2019
RC Laser Winter Series event 4 at Medway © Tim Townsend

After a week off because of high winds, rain and the Sunday just before Christmas this round was the precursor to welcoming 2020 and seeing out 2019.

Even after three rounds of our Winter series the pace was being set by several sailors. Tim Townsend had joined the group and was already showing his winning ability alongside Adrian Tomlinson, Pete Freeman, Jon Moon, Tony Alexander and Jamie Blair. All sailors were showing good tactical decisions, along with the rules very much in their minds. Turns are often seen but inevitably moments get lost in the heat of the chase!!

The day dawned with a forecast of anything between 5 knots and 12 knots. We were greeted by approx. 5 knots and from the South, providing the start/finish line just in front of the cafe.

Race 1 was started with all 12 racers on the A rig with Adrian leading the fleet around the triangle sausage course, with Tim Townsend close behind. In the approach to the leeward mark Jamie called for Mark Room on David Townshend but in the frenzy of hardening up there was contact and a snaring of mainsheet, so despite being in contention with the leaders all was lost and last and next to last the prize!

RC Laser Winter Series event 4 at Medway - photo © Tim Townsend
RC Laser Winter Series event 4 at Medway - photo © Tim Townsend

With the wind increased to the top end of A rig all but Jamie Blair changed to B rig. With the wind change all but one missed the shift to the left and 32 (Roger Gibb) port tacked the whole fleet at the start. Tim Townsend battled hard and won the race with Roger second. Adrian in third, Tony Alexander in fourth. Another clash on the water provided high scores for Jamie and Pete Freemen.

In all 13 races were run before the 12.30 cut off and it was apparent from the 3rd race that Adrian was at full speed and notched up 7 firsts. Other firsts were taken by Tony Alexander, Jon Moon, Jamie and Pete.

RC Laser Winter Series event 4 at Medway - photo © Tim Townsend
RC Laser Winter Series event 4 at Medway - photo © Tim Townsend

For all of the races the opportunity to pull the trigger early was always present, resulting in the fleet shooting down the line as the seconds ticked away. Those that hung back at the windward end gained the most on the first beat. Premature starters were called over on many occasions; fortunately for the RO backup was at hand to reinforce those offending!

A great day to sweep away the Christmas festivities. Adrian convincingly won the day, Tony Alexander second and Jon Moon in third.

Next for Round 5 - Sunday 5th January. Details of location and start times on www.rclaser.org.uk/events

Overall Results:

PosSail NoHelmR1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8R9R10R11R12R13Pts
1st30Adrian Tomlinson13211‑6111125‑619
2nd4Tony Alexander64124173‑11454‑1141
3rd84Jon Moon35435‑7554(DNF)33141
4th83Richard Stone‑9‑95432262746748
5th45Tim Townsend21‑992437359‑12550
6th51Jamie Blair‑12‑11310834106219460
7th63Pete Freeman10(DNF)777‑11825371360
8th32Roger Gibb52669568‑10(DNF)102261
9th658Brian Lev'y87(DNF)‑116894968111086
10th613Andrew Nicholls4610811‑12‑12128867989
11th3Mark Penny7108‑12‑12911117101188100
12th58David Townshend1181151010109‑129‑121012105

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