Laser Open 2014 Report
Aldenham SC Laser Open 2014 Race Report
On Sunday 8th June 9 of our members and 10 visitors lined up for the Aldenham Open which this year has joined the Laser Thames Valley Travellers Series. At 6am the lake had looked like a mill pond on the webcam but by the start of racing a nice force 3 southerly breeze with gusts of 16mph had arrived with sunshine and temperate in the mid-twenties.
Visitors had a challenge getting their boats from the car park to the club as the lane was filled with children and their parents on a charity bicycle ride around the lake and the burglary in the week had rendered the gate by the club house inoperable.
In the first race Colin Carver (Aldenham) got off to a good start to lead at the first mark closely followed by Tim Le Couilliard (Aldenham). However by the final lap Neil Davies (Ranelagh) had gained the lead and Nigel Rolfe (Parkstone) passed Tim on the final beat to take second place.
Race two was sailed back to back after the finish of the first race in similar conditions. Some interesting shifts up the beat led to big gains and losses. Steve Fischer (Aldenham) led at the windward mark but by the end Nigel Rolfe & Rob Beere (Frensham Pond) had slipped past to take 1st & 2nd with Steve 3rd.
After a good lunch the fleet set off a bit heavier for the final race with all still to play for. The wind dropped a little mid-race before filling in again causing some position changes. Nigel Rolfe & Gary Bullock (Homeless) pulled away from the rest of the fleet and by the end Nigel had a comfortable lead to give him his second win of the day followed by Gary & Neil Davies. Tim Le Couilliard, having sat out most of the 2nd race after missing the IDM at the start, capsized in the 3rd but managed to just hang on to 4th place giving him 5th overall and first Aldenham boat.
In summary it was a great day’s sailing with many of the fleet ending up feeling more than a bit tired and sun burnt.
Many thanks go to Hilgard and his band of helpers for the race organisation and catering and also all those who worked hard preparing the club for what proved to be an excellent day.
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Overall Results |
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1st & 1st Master |
Nigel Rolfe |
Parkstone |
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2nd |
Neil Davies |
Ranelagh |
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3rd |
Gary Bullock |
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1st Lady |
Sarah Edwards |
Ranelagh |
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1st Youth |
Tim Le Couilliard |
Aldenham |
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1st Grand Master |
Steve Fischer |
Aldenham |
For the full results see the results section of the web site
Laser Class Captain Colin Carver
