RC Laser Northern District and Summer Series at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club - Week 1
by Tony Wilson 23 Jun 15:13 BST
18 June 2023
RC Laser Northern District and Summer Series at Fleetwood - Week 1 © Tony Wilson
We had five replies to Liz's regular invite to come and sail on Sunday, of which only three of those names turned up. But somehow others must have heard rumours that we were sailing, so we had an eleven boat RC Laser start line up to kick off for the dual event.
Derek had decided to stay local for an easier sailing day, if he could find some boat bits or borrow a boat to join in. Dave Fowler was also with us, to make that 2 of the countries National champions. John Armstrong and Roger White had travelled North for some nicer weather and hopefully a bit of sunshine. We had the 2 Peters and also Ian from the other side of Preston along with a handful of the loyal locals.
Thunderstorms were forecast for about 3pm, so it was vital to get an early start and maybe even forgo the dinner break if need be. So we started just after 11:00, what's new with the lasers. An Easterly with about 8 to 10 knots maximum wind strength, meant we'd be good to go with the 'A' or even the 'B' rig, but that should be all that we would need out of the bag.
The first race had us all suited in 'B' rig, except for Walter. He did just fine and managed a second place. More big rigs appeared as the morning went on and the last to give in was Derek, because he just doesn't like them. He did chuckle a little earlier when the wind got up and had a few of us dancing like a sinking flotilla, but just before lunch there was a bit of a lull.
Six races completed and now we all needed a little hydration, a bit of food and maybe a wee. Dinner break was down for just half an hour, we needed to get the job done. We raced for another four, to complete ten good sized competitive bouts of fun. There had been lots of good tactics and place changes, especially after negotiating the bottom gate with the bias balancing and evening out the favoured mark choice.
Four separate firsts were recorded, so it wasn't all one way sailing.
Derek triumphed the day even though as he says he hates that big rig, but still did very well on the balanced stock 'B' rig earlier. Maybe next time for the bigger event at the end of the year, it would be nice to have four of our National champions sailing together for a joint Club/National event.
It didn't rain or thunder until most of us had got home. A good day was had by all.
Results:
1 Derek Priestly, 11pts
2 Dave Fowler, 17pts
3 Ian Sinclair, 35pts