ILCA Open at Fishers Green Sailing Club
by Steve Conroy 8 Jul 06:06 BST
17 June 2023
Fishers Green ILCA Open © Kevin O'Brien
Fishers Green SC held its annual UKLA open meeting on the 17th June. A small band of regular visitors (thank you) gathered to enjoy a great day's racing in this very picturesque part of the Lee Valley.
The PRO suggested a four race format with a break for lunch. This meant a full day for the 12 competitors to make the most of what turned out to be a Prosecco day of racing (champagne would be a real stretch).
The PRO set a two beat course to deal with the 20 degree shifts that continued all day.
The first race was dominated from start to finish by Andrew McLeish (Fairlop) who managed to wriggle clear and extend a rather large (some said embarrassing) lead to take the win. Second was Gary Bullock from Queen Mary followed by locals Simon Williams and a strong finishing Michael Atkinson (hold that thought). A mention here for Richard Bettles - another local - whose day finished before it had started with a broken gudgeon... he will be back soon.
Race two saw the same top four come out grinning but the story of the tape belies the battles that took place. Michael A had remembered how to used guile and cunning at 'The Green' to come out on top with Gary B second and Simon W fourth. Mention here for Nina Babaie - another returning local who was a creditable fifth.
A break for lunch saw the strongest and most consistent breeze arrive... Fuelled by some excellent galley work by Mrs and Mr Commodore (Jane and Kevin), the fleet returned to the water with a slightly tweaked course to 'make the most'.
This third race saw a great performance by our first lady (Claudia Mancini) - who truly pushed our now regular top four throughout the now sun drenched jaunt. Gary B recorded his first win of the day with Mike A second, Claudia third and Simon W fourth.
The finale saw the PRO change course and position to counter the (permanent?) 20 degree shift in the breeze. The event was now a two horse race between Gary B and local Mike A, who had truly blown away his cobwebs and resting wasps from his kit.
In the early minutes of the race, the wind reverted to its original direction, meaning that the first couple of legs were critical in what became somewhat a formula one procession. Mike A had managed to separate himself from Gary B by a number of places and went on to take the overall win. In this last race and fading breeze, Simon W was an impressive second, Colin Carver third and the impressive Claudia fourth.
Mike thanked he competitors, rescue, galley and PRO for what we all agreed was a better day's racing than expected.
Overall Results:
1st Mike Atkinson (FGSC)
2nd Gary Bullock (QMSC)
3rd Simon Williams (FGSC)
4th Andrew McLeish (Fairlop)
5th Claudia Mancini (FGSC)