Report – Bollé RS400 Northern Tour & RS Vareo Winter Championship
The RS400 Bollé Northern Tour kicked of in style at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club on the 17/18 March. As forecasted the 16 strong fleet launched in very light winds, however by the second lap a dark cloud brought in planing conditions and big shifts. Paul & Mike Allen (LLSC) finished first, followed by Dave Exley & Nigel Hall (LLSC) and Caroline Exley & Jude Allen (LLSC).
Following lunch the skies cleared and the breeze dropped. Wayne & Deb Fletcher (Scaling Dam) mastered the light conditions, finishing first ahead of the Allens with Dave Exley & Nigel Hall in third. The fleet made it very clear they’d had enough by sailing in giving PRO Peter Baldwin no choice but to abandon the third race.
Members & visitors enjoyed an Irish themed supper and party. The days action was photographed by Mike Dean and provided some humour when displayed on the projector. Following an evening of Guinness and dancing some members and visitors were found sleeping in all corners of the sailing club!
Sunday dawned sunny and a NW breeze brought smiles to the faces of those bored of roll tacking. Wayne & Deb fletcher won both races in style and took the event with a perfect score. Several home boats recorded great results including Caroline Exley and Martin Parker Parker who both counted second places. Overall Paul & Michael Allen finished second with Dave Exley and Nigel Hall a comfortable third.
Wayne Fletcher thanked LLSC for a great event and Bollé for sponsoring the Northern Tour.
RS Vareo Winter Championship
Unfortunately only four boats entered the 2012 RS Vareo winter championship, however they were all from Bassenthwaite Sailing Club which resulted in competitive racing and the generous banter. Mark Summersville won in style with three first places. New recruit Robin Dawson finished an impressive second counting 7 points ahead of Mike Cowan with 8 points. Phil Davenport completed all races in his first event finished fourth overall. Mark Summersville thanked Leigh & Lowton for running a good event in difficult conditions.
