RC Laser Winter Series at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club - Week 2
by Tony Wilson 4 Feb 10:49 GMT
30 January 2022
RC Laser Winter Series at Fleetwood week 2 © Tony Wilson
Starting with a 9 MPH wind from a South Westerly Sea cadet hut corner, building up to 19 MPH by late afternoon was on the cards. So with a somewhat mediocre dry forecast it was game on for just a handful, from a large potential 20 plus Laser Skippers outfit.
With just the eight boats on the water we were ready to race a little later than usual, although it didn't really matter because there was no wind and we were still waiting. What little bit there was, a short course was set at an angle to sail midway, back to the bank, a cross over to the pumphouse and return to the short start line.
The first couple of races were a bit of a lottery, unless you were the national champion. Were we going to just drift along for an hour per race. Being on the start line at the off can mean that little bit extra in low wind and a heck of a lot to catch up if not. Although some were soon in bother further along the course with the little wind shifts and swirls moving around as it started to pick up. The scores on the race one and two were very similar, with Shaun taking it and Walter cheekily pipping Tony at the post to take second.
Race three and four were Tony's to make it 2 all, but that was all Shaun was going to give away.
Race five and instead of the wind coming from the right hand corner, it had swung Southerly and picked up to what was forecast. A shuffle as in sign language had arms directing us in a chartered course 90 degrees and nearly full length of the lake taking marks the other way round.
Four more races led us up to lunch and by now, a few of the guys had given in to a smaller rig.
The near bank favoured the taller rigs to get you round that close by mark.
Eight races in the bag made Trevor happy, but we were now at 1pm for lunch. Another four after lunch and by those last 2 races all were on 'B' rig.
A good day of sailing had by all and if only it was a tad warmer, but we can't complain.
The RC Laser boats prove to be a good entry boat for RC racing, as in low fuss clip together and float on the water in quick time. But as it should say on the bag 'Easy to sail, hard to race' although once you start to master it, you're able to overcome the little niggles. Any of the better Skippers will help out with sail setting etc... as they also need better opposition not just for at local club level, but for bigger competitions for their advanced improvement.
The next competition for 'The Yachtsman Hotel Trophy' is next Sunday. Let's hope the wind isn't coming from across the road again.
Results:
1 Shaun Holbeche 10 pts
2 Tony Wilson 23 pts
3 Walter Audley 36 pts