Tipsy series resumes with Champagne conditions

After 2 weeks of no sailing due to a frozen lake Pennington Flash finally defrosted to allow the Tipsy series to recommence and it was worth the wait with a clear blue sky and a force 4 wind straight down the lake which made for long beats and fast reaches for the boats that took to the water.

In the Laser fleet 10 boats took to the water and once again it was Ian Jones who dominated taking two bullets on his final appearance before he goes to Australia for the Laser world masters championships. Paul Heath managed two seconds, Howard Green had a fourth and a third and Jamie Purcell a third and a fourth.

There were 13 boats in the asymmetric fleet this week and there were two different races winners. Dave Exley/Nigel Hall (RS400) scored a first and a second. Race 2 saw a ‘new face’ at the front with Mike Budd/Wendy Martin (RS400) in their new boat. Tony Taylor/Sarah Tyson (RS200) had a consistent day with a second and a third while Matt Bromley/Andrea Morgan (RS200) managed a third and fourth.

Both races in the 7 boat Solo fleet were won by Chris Gillard sailing a borrowed Solo. Ian Hopwood scored two seconds and Foxy, returning to the fleet after illness, managed a fourth and a third.

The largest fleet of the day was the 19 strong handicap fleet consisting of 10 Toppers who enjoyed close racing throughout. Andy Flitcroft (RS300) scored a second and first followed by Mark Dingsdale (Phantom) with a first and a seventh and Zac Gibbons (Topper) with two thirds.

Once again the OD and his team turned the races and starts around fast, hot food was served up all day by Ann and Helen in the galley and the many spectators watched the racing from the new extension. The series runs until the 18th March when the final weekend (17th & 18th)will incorporate the RS400 open meeting. Full results and further information can be found on the club website http://leighandlowton.wordpress.com/