Laser Lakeland & Border Grand Prix at Ullswater Yacht Club

Laser Lakeland & Border event at Ullswater © Josh Moran

Prize winners in the Laser Lakeland & Border event at Ullswater (l-r) Jon Abbatt, Stuart Bellfield, Tim Keithley © Sue Giles

Thirteen Laser sailors from nine different clubs took part in a Lakeland & Border Grand Prix event on Saturday, August 10.

In strong gusting winds from the South West which had caused event cancellations all over country, the Lasers, full rigs, Radials and 4.7s, enjoyed three challenging races on three different courses.

The racing was very close and three helms took the three firsts. Race one, a windward leeward, was won by local helm Jon Abbatt with Issy Wallwork from Redesmere SC sailing a Laser Radial in second place. Issy dropped down to fourth place in race two, a triangular course, which was won by Tim Keithley of West Riding SC and Stuart Bellfield of Leigh and Lowton SC was second.

So coming into the final race, with a first and a third, Jon Abbatt was on the lead, but it was still all to sail for between the four helms. Stuart Bellfield made it to first in the final race, Tim Keithley coming second. Both had three points but on count-back Stuart was the winner. Jon Abbatt was third overall and just two points separated the first four helms.

Thanks to race officer Jono Shelley and his team, safety helm Josh Moran and his team and to all the Laser helms from UYC, Leigh & Lowton SC, Redesmere SC, Coniston SC, Derwent Reservoir SC, Sedbergh School, West Lancs SC and St Marys Loch SC, for supporting the event and turning up on a day which had a grim weather forecast. They were rewarded with some great racing. The next Lakeland & Border Laser event is at Derwent Reservoir SC on August 24.

Overall Results: (top four)

1. Stuart Bellfield (Leigh & Lowton SC) 3pts
2. Tim Keithley (West Riding SC) 3pts
3. Jon Abbatt (UYC) 4pts
4. Issy Wallwork (Redesmere SC) 5pts