Laser and Cadet Open at Fishers Green Sailing Club
by Godfrey Clark 16 Jul 2018 10:44 PDT
14 July 2018
Lasers at Fishers Green © Roberto Mancini
The Laser class made their annual visit to Fishers Green SC on Saturday 14th July as part of the Thames Valley area series, being joined on this occasion by a small group of Cadets.
While the threat of weed growth in the summer months remained in abeyance (for now?) the forecast of only a 4 knot south-westerly breeze was an even greater concern with the heatwave and high pressure dominating the season.
A simple figure 8 course was set after a short postponement and the breeze seemed to settle as forecast. Tony Cooper made the best start and led from start to finish, chased by Chris Nash and Colin Carver. The leading Cadet was Matteo Mancini & crew, having broken well ahead of the next boat. With the wind switching off entirely after the finish, it was time for lunch and hope for better conditions in the afternoon!
With no change for the second race a similar course was used, with Tony again dominant, followed home by Colin and David Killey. First Cadet was Emily Speirs.
What little wind there was threatened to swing west for the last race so a triangular course was set better clear of the trees. The perfect beat in the best wind was presented to the fleet as the warning flags went up but as the countdown entered the final 2 minutes the wind jacked right round to the east making the first leg a reach. This reached its most extreme on the second lap with the boats now beating to the leeward mark and the finish. Tony made it a clean sweep with Matteo the first Cadet.
Hey Ho. Cakes and nibble all round, and hope for a better wind next year! But not forgetting the prizes.... Given generously by Exe Sails for the Cadets and by Chandlery Online for the Lasers.
Overall Results: (top three in each class)
Lasers
1st 188575 Tony Cooper (King George/Broxbourne SC)
2nd 210356 Chris Nash (Maidenhead SC)
3rd 209002 Colin Carver (Aldenham SC)
Cadets
1st 9026 Matteo Mancini/Kali Karaskas (Fisher Green SC)
2nd 9984 Emily Speirs/Hamish Taylor (Frensham Pond)
3rd 8403 Sam Cooper/Ashwin (King George SC)