RC Laser and DF65 Winter Series at West Lancashire Yacht Club - Day 6
by Tony Wilson 20 Mar 2018 08:39 PDT
18 March 2018
It had been 30mph on Saturday, and again for our event on Sunday and all from the East - it looked like the Beast had returned. It was going to be the smallest rig for both classes, if it was ever going to get underway. A dry but very cold day for the end game.
We could more or less guarantee who the winner would be for the RC Laser series, and part guess who was going to come in second place, but third was still up for grabs. Two key players; Shaun was away and Skip had big boat tutoring duty, so we were left with just 6 skippers, and one was our long-distance driver Roger White all the way from Chelmsford. Outside of Lancashire cars were driving along still with a couple of inches of snow on their bonnets, but we seem to be quite blessed on the coast, nestled in our own little micro climate.
Alan had set a short course as it could take a while to get to the windward mark and was kept to one lap of our familiar triangle. Four DF65s joined us for the day and again had the inner triangle to avoid collisions. Colin won the first RC Laser race and then Alan won one. Some were feeling quite cold, so it was time for a quick brew.
It was then decided to let the Dragons use the outer course as they seemed to be waiting a while for us to finish. Out again for another race which was won by Tony this time and then the wind decided to get up some more, so we returned for another brew. The waves all had white tops and were lashing over the banks, so all eyes were on the anemometer until there was a sudden drop down to what looked like 10-15mph.
The RC Lasers started off again for race number 4 and the wind suddenly arrived again. We thought the Dragons had finished their racing, but no, they were hiding back in the building. Alan won another and then after race number 5 we had lunch.
The wind veered slightly and dropped again a touch so the RC Lasers went back to the original outer ring. We had lost a couple of casualties over the lunch break due to mechanical or physical failures, one D sail had been delaminated along its entire edge.
If you were out in front and had been leading a race, one mistake could put you back down the line. Long beats were called for as little tacks were moving you back down the lake and this was needed for success on the day. Alan had again put in a gate at the leeward end and the near mark was best avoided as it could get you in trouble as you tried to round it, usually multiple times.
Jason and Colin had both persevered throughout most of the day, with improvement and this had been a trying day for the most hardened of Skippers and was definitely at our limit.
After a string of first places for Tony he was able to win the day with Alan in second place. John Brierley was first of the DF65 guys and actually won the trophy as his equalled points with John Tushingham for the series went down to count-backs for him to take the prize.
Shaun Holbeche had won the metal for the RC Laser series with Skip in second although neither needed to sail for the day. They did miss what some would say were challenging sailing conditions but hey, it's got to be done for one's improvement.
Some said the Mini Beast from the East had returned, but I really think that it was his twin brother.
We did have a spell of sunshine, but not long enough to crack open a bottle of UVA factor 50, maybe next time in 3 weeks when West Lancs holds the RC Laser event on the TT circuit. The Fairhaven and RC Laser UK website have both been updated with all the venues around the country.
A good day was had with better to come as Spring is just around the corner. Thanks to all those at West Lancs, Southport.
Day 6 Results:
RC Laser
1 Tony Wilson 9 pts
2 Alan Tickle 16 pts
3 Colin Appleton 18 pts
DF65
1 John Brierley 7 pts
2 Alan Watkinson 15 pts
3 Clive Porter 18 pts
Series Results:
RC Laser
1 Shaun Holbeche 300 pts
2 Skip Reaser 275 pts
3 Tony Wilson 261 pts
DF65
1 John Brierley 300 pts (on countback)
2 John Tushingham 300 pts
3 Tim Long 235 pts