RC Laser Winter Series event 5 at Barton Point Country Park Lake

RC Laser Winter Series event 5 at Medway © Jamie Blair

RC Laser Winter Series event 5 at Medway © Jamie Blair

RC Laser Winter Series event 5 at Medway © Jamie Blair

To herald the new decade, fourteen sailors set up for the 5th round of the Winter Series at Barton Point Country Park. After the sun of Saturday, the sky was grey and threatening rain and with a forecast of anything between 5 knots and 12 knots. We were greeted by approximately 7-8 knots and from the South West.

B Rigs were the choice of all and racing started as we left off from 2019 with front runners in race 1 of Jamie Blair, Tim Townsend and Adrian Tomlinson. Some reminders about arriving early at the start and trying to bear down the line proved useful but not in every race. The change in mindset saw a number of sailors hanging back to take advantage of the gap that formed at the favoured end (starboard) of the line. This provided a better weather position to the boats starting early that needed to tack across to the starboard lay line for the windward mark. Adrian certainly took this initiative with wins in races 3-6 and the following boats mixed and matched places to fourth place between Pete Freeman, Tim and Jamie.

Race 2 saw a change of rig to C rigs as the wind increased. A number stayed out on the B rig and with the wind speed varying so did the results with each sail taking separate wins or improved positions, one over the other. One leg of the triangle sausage course that kept everyone thinking was at the leeward mark. With the SW wind and the increase to around 12 knots steep waves appeared (partly due to the length of fetch from the far end of the lake and the rebound off the lake edge) at this mark. So, an important time to get the boat speed up to get over the waves and to be able to tack. Places lost and places gained.

Just before coffee break the 7th race of the morning saw Roger Gibb take the win. Sadly, technical issues meant that Roger stayed ashore for the remainder of the races. Similar ogres took out Tony Alexander and Scott Atkinson.

Great to watch the tactical decisions in rapid succession with races lasting around 10 minutes; along with the rules very much being voice along and the occasional Sorry or Ow! Penalty turns are often seen but inevitably moments get lost in the heat of the chase!!

In all 15 races were run before the 12.30 cut off and as the previous round Adrian was at full speed and notched up 6 firsts. It was good to see all the racers concentrating hard to improve results. Andrew Nicholls after a slow start posted better results after the break with a 3rd to shout about. His rivalry with Brian Lev'y continues and today it was Andrew taking the advantage. Sarah was consistent throughout, and showing as a worthy opponent. Like Andrew Mark Penny had a 2nd place in race 11 to spur him on and finish in 6th overall ahead of Richard Stone. Wayfarer sailors honing their RC habit over the winter along with five other wayfarer sailors. Great to see the Class Chairman Roger White with 1136 joining us and relating all the interesting plans for 2020.

Another morning racing with friendly banter for the new year. Adrian convincingly won the day, Pete Freeman second and Jamie Blair in 3rd. A tie break for 4th and 5th on 46 points but on countback Jon Moon had two 1st places over Tim's one.

Next for Round 6 - Sunday 12th Jan. Details of location & start times on www.rclaser.org.uk/events

Round 5 Results: