Revett Week 3 – More competitive racing in light winds!

November 25, 2013

Click here for results Sunday 24^th November saw the third weekend of the 2013 Revett series at Leigh & Lowton sailing club it was thought that this was ‘third time lucky’ as, on arrival, for the first time in the series there was some breeze to be found as a F2 breeze blew down the Flash from the west under a clear blue sky. The race team of Dave Shiel, Paul Heath and Jez Entwistle took to the water early to try and set a course and during that time the wind began to drop, shift 90 degs to the north before picking up again but was then fluctuating in both strength and direction once the race started.

47 boats took to the water and first away was the 10 boat Asymmetric fleet which saw the husband and wife team of Paul and Jude Allen (RS400 – LLSC) lead from start to finish. They were followed home by Hamish Gledhill/Simon Dowse (RS400 – WRSC) and Gary Knott/Helen Blackburn (RS400 – LLSC) in third. Recovery of the day went to the RS400 of the Parker brothers who were sailing around in dead last place in the fleet with their bottom lips on the floor but, due to some skilful sailing (some would say due to the rafting of the lead boats at a mark in no wind and courtesy a few lucky shifts), sailed through the fleet to finish fourth as the wind disappeared altogether.

In the 7 boat Laser fleet Stuart Belfield (LLSC) took the win from Malcolm Marsden (Blackpool & Fleetwood YC) who was making his first appearance in the series. Third was C Scott.

Last away was the 30 boat handicap fleet which included 13 Solos and 8 junior competitors. A large windshift just before the start and a few jumpy helms caused a general recall. During the starting sequence of the restart more than half the fleet mistakenly started on the 1 minute gun. The remainder of the fleet started correctly but as they went upwind they encountered the returning OCS boats and a few words were exchanged as avoiding action was taken.

In the Solo fleet it was Andy Fox (LLSC) who took a commanding lead and led up until the penultimate mark were he was then becalmed allowing five boats to drift up on and overtake him.

In the end it was Brian Holt (LLSC) who took the win with Chris Robinson (Royal Windermere SC) second and series leader Malcom Waddington (LLSC) third after being one of those who returned after starting early.

In the junior fleet it was Optimist sailor Olivia Cuthbert (LLSC) who won on handicap from James Wilkinson and Oliver Blackburn in their Toppers.

The main handicap fleet saw three new entrants to the series and all three took the top three positions. Alex Morrison (LLSC – Phantom) won from Gareth Williams/Jen Williams (LLSC) in second and Christian Day/Sophie Richards (LLSC) third both in national 12’s.

The fleets finished in near drifting conditions and they did not improve after lunch so it was decided to abandon racing for the day. There are still two remaining weekends and (weather permitting) four races left in the series. It is close on points in all fleets so there is everything to play for as it will go to the wire.

Full results and details on how to enter the series online via webcollect to receive a big discount can be found via the club website http://webcollect.org.uk/llsc/event/winter-championships

You can also enter on the day at the reception desk