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RC Laser Northern Series concludes at West Lancashire Yacht Club

by Tony Wilson 29 Dec 2019 21:44 UTC 15 December 2019
RC Laser Northern Series concludes at West Lancs © Neil Croston

Another comp, and this time it was the last one in the series. We were treated to the drive in along the new Penwortham by pass and actually it doesn't really affect the time of travel nor distance, which is a good thing.

A nice forecast to look forward to, with a half descent breeze and also to remain mainly dry until close of play. The brisk wind was coming straight across the lake from a south westerly direction and so we thought we should all go for the 'C' rig. The usual format of a triangle sausage and finish for the six skippers present, with the majority coming from Fleetwood. John Armstrong had joined us again from mid Wales direction and this is probably one of his local clubs.

John Sharman chipped off the first three races, while it seamed Derek was just warming up until race four when he started to win a few and then John S. had rudder failure. An early time to take a couple of discards along with John A. and Tony's boat locked together on race three. With the new clips we are slowly realising that unless they are blanked off, if you catch another boat and are snagged then you are well and truly barbed.

Peter decided to chance his stock 'B' sail but didn't quite have it trimmed to how he would like it. It was actually probably at the top end of the 'C' sail and it might have been after the coffee break that it dropped a smidgens.

Peter had race 6 sorted and then one or two joined him with the bigger sail. There wasn't much in it, but still a couple in 'C' rig attire took the next couple of races to lead us up to lunch.

After lunch break as usual the wind typically moved more South. All now out with the B's and a change of start line, reversal of course and two smaller triangles to race. With the wind slowly dropping. a few now went even bigger. Derek was happy to stay smaller or just couldn't be bothered for the last few races and even said he would run off if it rained. He still managed to pull it off and with five bullets along with John S. Our Derek had taken the day. The sky had started to look very heavy and Trevor thought he felt some rain so without too much persuasion we packed up at about 2pm before we were in for a soaking.

The racing had been good and with the last couple of sailing events in the North lacking good wind and direction, this one was really enjoyable. We had sailed 12 races. Thanks to our Race Officers for the day, Neil Croston and Trevor Bell for scoring and keeping us in check.

The next Laser racing at West Lancs will be in the New Year starting on the 5th January.

This is a mixed series with the RC Laser and alternating DF95 and smaller Df65.

This weekend hosts the Fleetwood's last Open sailing event of the year.

DF 95 and IOM between Christmas and New Year for the Twixmas Popup, check out the website for details. https://fleetwoodmypbc.org.uk/

Results for the day:

1 Derek Priestley 17 pts Fleetwood
2 John Sharman 19 pts Keighley
3 Tony Wilson 23 pts Fleetwood

Results for the series best 3 from 6 to count:

1 Tony Wilson 281 pts Fleetwood
2 John Sharman 252 pts Keighley
3 Peter Isles 198 pts Fleetwood

RC Laser Northern Series concludes at West Lancs - photo © Neil Croston
RC Laser Northern Series concludes at West Lancs - photo © Neil Croston

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