Crewsaver Laser 2000 Series @ Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club

Round 5:

The previous sunny summer rounds were soon forgotten as the travellers arrived in a rain soaked Cumbria for round 5 of the Crewsaver sponsored series. Sailing in the Lake District is often testing and Derwentwater was to prove no exception. Competition at the front of the fleet was intense as no one fully mastered the conditions and 6 races saw 5 different winners.

The first of 3 back to back legs set off in early afternoon with a healthy breeze swinging SW. A good start from Scotland’s Jim & Margaret Galloway saw them pull away from the fleet as the wind fluctuated from F5-2 in minutes and many were caught in holes only yards from severe gusts!

The Galloway’s were chased home by Trevor & Caroline Bradley and Alan & Ben Sandover) in a race that set the pattern for the weekend as these 3 became embroiled in the battle for honours.

Race 2 saw Oxford’s experienced Nigel Vick crewed by Pippa Saffin pick his way through the holes ahead of the Bradleys and Galloways. Emma Newell had a great race holding off the rest of the pack to take an excellent 5th place just behind Sandover. Further back in the field some over enthusiastic luffing contests caused some chaos on the downwind gate and finish line.

The final race of the day once again saw the Galloways out front chased early on by Paul and Lindsay Williams who slipped back after taking the wrong side on the run and Nigel Vick who held off a strong challenge from the quickly improving Ben Lister & Ceri Shave from North Yorks.

After a wet and stormy night which encouraged most people to stay in the bar until closing time the morning dawned dry but overcast with very little wind.

Things picked up on the start line after a short delay and shift and the race got underway in fickle winds which split the fleet early. Williams was first round the mark followed by the Sandover’s who clawed their way to the front on the second lap. Only the Bradley’s broke free of the pack to take a distant 3rd at the line from Vick.

Race 5 saw the closest non-finish of the day as 5 boats edged to the ‘finish line’ only to realise that the 2000 fleet were being sent round again for another lap! Williams led from Vick but both were at the wrong end of the line with kites still flying as the Bradleys nipped inside to take full advantage and the win next time round! Helen Dancer made up lots of ground on the final leg to take a well deserved 3rd behind the on form Sandover’s. The Galloways took 4th after a port starboard incident at the narrow gate slowed down their rivals.

The final race had all to play for as early leaders, series newcomers Lister/Shave and Williams’ held off the top three. The Sandovers’ once again pulled through to second but were unable to catch the leaders who took an excellent win.

This left the final points positions tied for 1st overall with the win going to Sandover on countback. The Galloways were extremely unlucky, despite being the only team to win 2 races, to finish 3rd overall by a single point. It will take a good effort to prevent them from winning at the next round on their home water of Loch Venachar (September 29/30).

Overall Results:

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com Laser 2000 Page