RC Laser and Mustang experience day at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
by Tony Wilson 25 Oct 2022 16:27 BST
16 October 2022
RC Laser and Mustang experience day at Fleetwood © Tony Wilson
Over the last five years or so, we've had a couple of these one-dayers. Normally with intense league racing, we get no let up to let our hair down and relax a little. This being the ideal opportunity for outsiders or guests to have a trial lesson and even the odd race or two if inclined.
Many were away at big events for this time and it was also the yearly weekend at the Blackpool Norbreck show that many like to attend, so we were a little light with just 5 Laser Skippers. Rob W popped along for a little chat and had he known, would have brought his Mustang module along for a blast. So this time unfortunately we had no Mustangs.
The wind was perfect and you could say we had three Newbies racing alongside. Roger, Peter G and Vic Ballington who's no newcomer to Fleetwood. We opted for a nice easy to remember long rectangular course and set about a few races.
Peter (GBR 168) was braving a 'B' rig while the rest of us were happy with the 'C'. Eric won the first couple of races. Vic then had a couple of goes with Tony's (GBR 711) and was well ahead of Eric stuck on the far bank and alongside Peter (GBR 168) and Paul Fishwick sailing Tony's (GBR 85). Peter was also on the smaller sail now and his boat handling was remarkably better.
We had the three Newbies win their own little race, which can boost one's confidence.
We had six races by lunchtime and we weren't keeping scores, just to keep the day as relaxed as possible. The dreaded wind direction shift came over lunchtime, so we tweaked the start line to suit. This also called for a dress size change and by the end of the 10th race we had all gone big.
A good day was had.
More racing Lasers to come through the next week or so, and the RC Laser Nationals at the end of the month down South for the really keen.