Laser/ILCA Thames Valley series at Fishers Green Sailing Club

Fishers Green SC held their annual Laser/ILCA open meeting on 11th June. Helms from seven different clubs enjoyed excellent weather for the open which is part of the Thames Valley series.

With all weather forecasts advising a south-westerly breeze which would veer to the west during the day, the problem for the RO as to whether the prevailing SSW from the previous day would remain as it was, or if and when, the forecast permanent shift would arrive?

Race one got away cleanly with local helm Steve Conroy working his way into the lead by the last of the three laps to take the win followed closely by John Ayre and Chris Nash. The second race started to follow a similar pattern until Steve capsized while tacking and retired, leaving Chis Nash to take his first win, followed home by the farthest travelled visitor, Richard Lymposs.

The fleet returned to shore for a superb curry or chilli lunch, organised by the wonderful Jane O Brien.

Laser/ILCA Thames Valley series at Fishers Green - photo © Kevin O'Brian

For race 3 again, the start got away cleanly with no sign of the forecast change in wind direction, with Maddie Childs making a great port tack flier to lead in the early stages despite using a Radial/ILCA 6 rig. By the second lap Steve Conroy had again worked his way into the lead only to foul the windward mark and concede the win to Chis Nash.

So into the final race, it was still all to play for, with a temporary windward mark set in steadier wind just a few yards from the original one.

Richard Lymposs took a good early lead but failed to recognise the mark, conceding the lead briefly to Steve Conroy who tried to round the mark the wrong way and was confronted with the starboard tack procession all rounding correctly. This again gifted the lead to Chris Nash who extended a commanding lead to comfortably win the race and the event.

Overall Results:

Laser/ILCA Thames Valley series at Fishers Green - photo © Kevin O'Brian