Medway RC Laser UKRCLA TT at Barton Point Country Park Lake

UKRCLA RC Laser TT at Medway © Jamie Blair

14 competitors entered for the TT event sailed under the flag of Medway RC Laser Club based at Barton's Point Lake on the Isle of Sheppey on Kent. The list of entrants encompassing sailors from the host club, from Royal Temple Yacht Club and from around the UK.

Our Race Officer for the event was Robert Owens. He had a competent team to assist him with management and results

The weather gods had been very kind providing a wind strength that put A rigs on for the start of the regatta and with a NW breeze provide a race course in front of the café providing a spectator area for the general public.

So, race 1 saw everyone opting for the A rig. Mike Brand from RTYC set the scene for the day with a win and Dave Fowler second. The beat was sufficiently long with a shifting breeze because of the topography at the top end meant that going up the favoured side of the beat was important. So too was the usual countdown to the start and getting the best position. The RO had made a point about rules observance and it was good to see that penalty turns were being taken.

An increase in the wind saw a number change down to B rig and the emergence of a sequence of wins by Dave Fowler. The following pack vying for top places included Jamie Blair, Adrian Tomlinson and Dave Adams.

UKRCLA RC Laser TT at Medway - photo © Jamie Blair

At the lunch break after 10 races Dave Fowler had a commanding lead with Jamie Blair in second and Adrian Tomlinson third. Dave Adams had time out to change servos, along with others suffering electrical issues.

Thanks go to the Boathouse café that kept the competitors and helpers well fed.

In the afternoon session the wind remained largely in the same direction of NW and all retained their B rigs. A further 6 races were sailed and with the light fading just after 3pm racing was completed. The target of 16 races had been achieved. Of the sixteen races there were four scoring bullets, Dave, Adrian, Jamie and David Tomlinson.

Dave Fowler (Blackpool & Fylde) retained his lead but still having to fend off Jamie, Adrian and Dave Adams. All getting some good results, with the occasional bad result thrown in.

Overall Results: