Laser Open 2015 Race Report

 Laser Open 2015 Photos

Aldenham Laser Open Meeting 7^th June 2015

Thames Valley Circuit

 Race report

11 local boats and 15 visitors were greeted with a bright sunny day and a gentle force 2-3 when they arrived for the open meeting at Aldenham SC. The breeze came and went and backed and veered all day resulting in some spectacular changes in fortunes.

Race 1 - Steve Fischer from the home club led at the windward mark narrowly leading from Nigel Rolfe, last year’s winner back to try and defend the trophy. Behind these two there was considerable swapping about as some benefited from the shifts and puffs and some didn't! After two laps four boats had pulled away. Steve followed by Nigel then Ben Rolfe and Gary Bullock. On the third lap Steve chose the wrong side of the beat and was passed by Nigel who held the lead to the finish. Gary finished 3rd and Ben 4^th.

Race 2 – Four boats broke clear of the pack at the start of race 2. Julia led closely followed by Nigel, John Wells and Colin Carver. The wind dropped and then filled in a number of time but the front four stayed ahead. Gary had a poor first lap to be in 15^th place but soon pulled up to 5^th. A good beat and then keeping to the starboard side of the run and he was vying for the lead. At the finish the front 4 were separated by a couple of boat lengths, Julia first followed by Nigel, Gary and John. The fleet returned to the shore for an excellent lunch in the sunshine before race 3.

Race 3 – The breeze had picked up a bit for the deciding race. There were 3 helms in contention for the title. Nigel, Steve and Julia. It was all on this last race. Both Nigel and Steve made poor starts rounding the windward mark in the middle of the fleet. Steve then had to do penalty turns which put him back another couple of places. Gary Bullock was in the lead with Julia a couple of places back. As the race progressed both Nigel and Steve made steady headway, making up places on each lap. At the start of the last lap, Gary was still in the lead, Julia was second, Steve had pulled through to third and Nigel was fourth. Taking the left side of the beat paid off for Steve who led at the windward mark. Gary wasn't giving it up though, and a very close battle ensued round the rest of the lap to the finish. Steve held on to take the race and the overall title. Gary finished the race second and Nigel managed to pass Julia for third.

Overall:

1^st Steve Fischer          Aldenham SC

2^nd Nigel Rolfe            Burghfield SC

3^rd Julia Hancock         Queen Mary SC

4^th Gary Bullock

 Laser Open 2015 Full Results