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!
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.
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:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | R9 | R10 | R11 | R12 | R13 | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | 30 | Adrian Tomlinson | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | ‑6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | ‑6 | 19 |
| 2nd | 4 | Tony Alexander | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 3 | ‑11 | 4 | 5 | 4 | ‑11 | 41 |
| 3rd | 84 | Jon Moon | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | ‑7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | (DNF) | 3 | 3 | 1 | 41 |
| 4th | 83 | Richard Stone | ‑9 | ‑9 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 48 |
| 5th | 45 | Tim Townsend | 2 | 1 | ‑9 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 9 | ‑12 | 5 | 50 |
| 6th | 51 | Jamie Blair | ‑12 | ‑11 | 3 | 10 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 60 |
| 7th | 63 | Pete Freeman | 10 | (DNF) | 7 | 7 | 7 | ‑11 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 60 |
| 8th | 32 | Roger Gibb | 5 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 8 | ‑10 | (DNF) | 10 | 2 | 2 | 61 |
| 9th | 658 | Brian Lev'y | 8 | 7 | (DNF) | ‑11 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 86 |
| 10th | 613 | Andrew Nicholls | 4 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 11 | ‑12 | ‑12 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 89 |
| 11th | 3 | Mark Penny | 7 | 10 | 8 | ‑12 | ‑12 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 100 |
| 12th | 58 | David Townshend | 11 | 8 | 11 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | ‑12 | 9 | ‑12 | 10 | 12 | 105 |