ILCA/Laser Lakeland and Borders GP Open at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club
by Greg Liggins 18 Oct 2023 20:47 BST
14 October 2023
Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club welcomed 27 competitors to the club on 14th October for the final event of the 2023 Lakeland and Borders ILCA/Laser Grand Prix Series.
The forecast was for a steady westerly 15 knots gusting 30 throughout the day, and at registration a number of competitors notified PRO Andy Weatherspoon of a downsize of rig for the today.
The schedule was for 4 races on a windward leeward course. Sailors launched and reached downwind in 20-25 knots of breeze which started to decimate numbers before even the first start.
Rob Holmes of Tynemouth dominated the day with first place in each of the first three races, before opting for an early shower.
The wind strength stayed consistently strong through most of the day, taking no prisoners with only 12 competitors completing the first race, 10 the second race, 8 the third race and only 6 seeing the flag of the final race.
The home club ILCA6/Radials of Peter Leech and Ed Coady proved to have made a wise rig choice and took second and third places respectively overall. Tim Keighley (West Riding) in a full rig placed fourth overall and Greg Liggins (Derwent) fifth after victory in the final race. Sven Richards (Tynemouth) was sixth and Nicky Leech (Derwent) took a well deserved seventh overall and first Lady/ILCA4.
Thanks to the PRO and race team for slickly turned around racing, the whole safety team for safely collecting and returning broken boats and sailors throughout the day, and the club for a warm welcome and well organised event.