Laser SB3 Inland Championships at Ullswater Yacht Club
by Sue Giles 17 Sep 2007 11:02 BST
15-16 September 2007
The Laser SB3 Inlands take place at Ullswater © Marion Marshall
The Laser SB3s held their Inland Championships at Ullswater Yacht Club on September 15 and 16.
A total of ten boats entered the event which turned out to be a two-horse race for the title.
Overall winner was the sole UYC entry helmed by David Clarke and crew James Wanless and Andrew Cutting, with two firsts and a second. On the same number of points and also counting two firsts and a second, but losing out on tie-break by being beaten in the last memorable race was a Sunderland Yacht Club boat helmed by Martin Boatman with crew John and Nick Outhwaite and Katy Stewardson.
Three races were held on Saturday with a long beat down to Howtown. The local boat helmed by David Clarke soon took the lead in race one and held on until the finish. Race two was also won by the early leader, this time it was Martin Boatman. The third race of the day was held in slightly lighter and more fickle winds and there were many place changes throughout the three-lap race. A win by Martin Boatman put him in the lead overnight with David Clarke in second place.
Then the wind blew… and a windy night brought an even windier day. It was an early start for the racers in extreme conditions which became even more extreme. David Clarke held off a challenge from Martin Boatman to cross the finishing line first after a very hairy race.
Some competitors found themselves in difficulties as the wind increased. Two boats were blown on to the shore half way along the course and although they were both recovered, three crew members had to make their way back to the club on foot.
Race officer Robin Barratt took the wise decision to abandon the rest of the day’s races and results were taken from the four races with three to count.
Overall Results:
1st 3152, David Clarke, James Wanless, Andrew Cutting, 4pts
2nd 3057, Martin Boatman, John Outhwaite, Nick Outhwaite, Katy Stewardson, 4pts
3rd 3022, Nick Piper, Jo Brindle, Gerry Goodfellow, Adam Ovington, 9pts