Medway RC Laser Winter Series event 12 at Barton's Point Country Park, Isle of Sheppey

Medway RC Laser Winter Series event 12 © Phil Walker

Easter Sunday saw a huge crowd to watch the seven sailors take to the water with all in favour of B rigs. Easter Sunday brought spectacular sun and wind from the SE that allowed the course (usual triangle-sausage) to be set directly in front of the café.

Wind speed was around 10-12 knots. The wind was shifting by 5 to 10 degrees and with the line square there were times when port end was favoured. This was not always registered Jamie Blair (51) took some early wins in Races 1 and 2 but too eager along with Spencer Pope (62) in a number of subsequent races. Bob Woolford (76), still learning the ways of the RC Laser, often approached the line too early with nowhere to go.

Good early showing from Andrew Nicholls (613), Roger Gibb (32) and Mark Penny (03) with a mixture of seconds and thirds. Mark's secret for success was "clear air and keeping out of trouble". Some altercations with boat-on-boat contact but good to see penalties taken.

Each leg of the course was reasonably straight forward but it did help to watch the shifts. So too the boats on port and to plan the mark rounding of the windward mark (which was furthest away from the control area). A few close contacts with end result you could be at the front and then at the back of the fleet.

Medway RC Laser Winter Series event 12 - photo © Phil Walker

After Race 5 Jamie was out ahead but very close between Andrew, Roger and Mark with only 3 points separating them.

By the break after 9 races (quick turn around by our RO Fiona) Jamie's lead was 13 points and with the three still with only two points separation.

Spencer was having a great morning with many personal best results.

By Race 13 the three were still trying to score better to nudge ahead but Andrew had taken a three point lead. All to change following the next race when all three were in the same points and three races left. There were only 10 points between second and sixth; all to play for.

Andrew kept his nerve and with a 2, 2, 4 ended 2 points ahead of Roger. Mark suffered with a DNF in the last race and had to rely on discards to keep in the chase

As a club that sails in the main through the winter our main racing on Sunday has come to an end (but will start again in the Autumn). For those retired we will be hosting some racing on Wednesday mornings.

Jamie won the Winter Series and along with the Endeavour Trophy (to be announced at an end of season supper) will be presented at a later date.

Overall Results:

Medway RC Laser Winter Series event 12 - photo © Phil Walker