Guy Fawkes Pursuit Race 2011

Following on from the N12 Inlands, in excess of sixty boats turned up for the start of the Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club winter series – the Guy Fawkes pursuit race – to be greeted with flat calm but bright sunshine . Five optimists ventured onto the water as the rest of us enjoyed tea, bacon butties and a chat with old friends returning for the winter. Bobby Hewitt (Opt 5667) took the early lead from Matt Leckie (Opt 6091). Slowly the northerly breeze filled across the lake and the Optimists took advantage of their time alone on the water to gain several laps over the rest of the fleet. The wind held as forecast at about 8-10mph until 3pm when it started to die off. The early boats held onto the positions at the front of the fleet with the Solos progressing to 3 of the top ten slots. The RS200 of Matt Mee and Emma Norris broke through to lead with 25 minutes to go from Steve Dennison (Solo 5261) in 2nd place with Bobby Hewitt (Opt 5667) holding onto 3rd. There were many tussles across the fleet with the RS300s holding back the RS100 of Alex Morrison and Archie Leckie (Opt 5911) winning the Endeavour prize and also finishing in front of his Dad in an RS400.