GJW Revett Series – 71 boats at week 1
The GJW Direct Insurance (GJW) sponsored Winter Season commenced at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club on Sunday the 11th of November 2012 with the Revett Series. A sunny, slightly chilly day with a pleasant force 2 greeted the 71 boats which arrived to take part in the first weekend of the 2012 series. The standard of the fleet was something to behold on what was forecast to be a very still day – luckily the forecast was wrong. The race teams for the day consisted of Richie, Paul and Mike Allen on the water and Anne & Helen in the galley. A 1 minute silence was held at the club at 11am to allow everyone to pay their respects.
Race 1 started at 12 noon on the dot with the asymmetric fleet. The fleet was led by Tony Taylor & Sarah Tyson (Budworth SC/RS200), Alex Morrison (Leigh & Lowton SC/RS100) and Martin & Liam Parker (Leigh & Lowton SC/RS400). Places changed all throughout the race. The first race in the laser fleet was dominated Paul Heath (Leigh & Lowton SC), Andy Green (Leigh & Lowton SC) and Ian Escritt (Yorkshire Dales SC) who all showed great boat speed and consistency as the breeze flicked during the middle of the first run. The handicap fleet was dominated by Jez Entwistle (Leigh & Lowton SC/Phantom), Alistair & Thomas Coates (Leigh & Lowton SC/Firefly) and Thomas Wallwork (Redesmere SC/Topper).
After a hearty lunch the second race of the day was sailed in less breeze with the feel of the wind dropping off to nothing – unluckily this feeling was right. The asymmetric fleet was this time led by Caroline Exley & Jude Allen (Leigh & Lowton SC/RS400), Tony & Sarah and the Parker boys. Race 2 in the laser fleet witnessed Andy Green doing a horizon job. The handicap fleet was dominated by Gareth Williams & Jen Williams (Leigh & Lowton SC/National 12) in the second race with John & Roseanne Walter (Leigh & Lowton SC/Flying Fifteen) and Thomas Wallwork all close behind. The Solo fleet (starting as part of the handicap fleet start) was dominated by 4 main boats, namely Phil Barnes (Budworth SC) 5211, Steve White (Leigh & Lowton SC) 5272, Chris Gillard (Sheffield Viking SC) 5312 and Ken Cottam (Leigh & Lowton SC) 4767.
All in all it was an excellent day with close racing throughout the fleets. Thanks to all the visitors for coming to the club and to everyone from the club who helped to run the day. See you all on November 18th for round two.
GJW offers one of the most comprehensive boat insurance policies on the market, at a very competitive price. For a quote in under 30 seconds, visit, www.gjwdirect.co.uk/dinghy
Results can be accessed via these links Asymmetrics,Handicap & Solos Lasers