RC Laser test event at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
by Tony Wilson 20 Jul 2020 08:47 BST
18 July 2020
RC Laser test event at Fleetwood © Tony Wilson
A few of the locals decided to air and put their lasers on the water. That was if they were still working. The wind was slightly off the straight, but a descent amount of it to make sailing good. A toss-up between 'B' and 'C' rig went for a mixed selection.
A lengthy sausage shape course of two laps, with a biased start and finish on the run and we were off.
Derek realised the funny noise coming from his transmitter meant his receiver battery was flat, but the countdown was well under way and we had waited long enough. Tony somehow managed to win the first race but not really that happy sailing with 'C' rig. The first half of the race was light wind, but the second lap had you dipping on the run. It was like this for the first couple of races.
Tim had borrowed a boat and was happy with a third place on the initial race. Derek had rejoined us and nailed the next three races. Eric was doing well on race two until his boat got strangled by a crab line. Then another line caught somebody else and the pattern continued for the day.
Those that were sailing big went smaller and Tony rejoined Derek with the big sail, although it seemed to be increasing in wind strength and was probably suited best to 'C' rig. It was just them windless holes in the shadow from the sandhills that weren't so nice.
Four races had and a bite to eat, for those that had brought butties.
The afternoon continued in like fashion with Derek mainly dominating and only dropping the odd race. The sailing was challenging but refreshing from not having the boats out for such a long time.
The weather had been kind and if there was to be a trophy awarded for the day, it would probably go to Eric for being snagged by the most crab lines. His boat was actually seen going backwards once, or was it being towed. The last race had Bob and Tony chasing Derek down to the finish line. Derek managed to keep out of trouble in the calmer waters to clinch the finale.
Eight races concluded the day for a very informal outing of friends.
Results:
1 Derek Priestly 9pts
2 Tony Wilson 18pts
3 Walter Audley 21pts on countback
4 Eric Austwick 21pts