Sailing at LLSC The Final Reckoning
Competitive Finale to LLSC Revett Sailing Series
Sunday 13th December saw the final two races of the six week long 2015 Revett winter sailing series. With the promise of a bit of breeze for the first time in 2 weeks the crews of the 45 boats that turned up expectantly were disappointed to find that once again the wind gods had been cruel and all we got was a light north easterly breeze for the first race which died off to almost nothing towards the end of the second race.
Lasers
As usual the 10 boat Laser fleet were first away and it was Tom Keegan (PUSC) who took his first race win of the series. Keegan had no chance of overtaking Haydn Griffiths (LLSC) in the overall placings but his result helped him somewhat in trying to secure second overall from his nearest rival Stuart Belfield (LLSC) who could only manage second in the race. Gareth Staples-Jones (LLSC) was third and Howard Green (LLSC) fourth.
Handicap Fleet
Next away were the 18 boats that started under the handicap fleet flag (this included 5 junior boats the results of which will be abstracted at the end of the sailing series and separate prizes awarded) Just like the Laser fleet the winner of this fleet was already decided before they went afloat so series leaders Alex Morrison/Steve White (X1 – LLSC) could relax as they undertook their race officer duty. Barring any major mishaps Mark Cuthbert (Super Nova – LLSC) was looking good for second overall and he helped his cause by winning the race from Martin Tubb (Solution – LLSC) in second, Mark Dingsdale (Phantom – LLSC) third and Steve Dawson (Phantom – LLSC) in fourth.
Juniors
Sam Cooper (Topper – WLYC) had been dominating the fleet from day one and going into todays racing he was uncatchable. In the first race of the day he had to settle for third place as he was beaten by the Optimists of Jonny Latham (LLSC) and Harvey Leigh (LLSC) who couldn’t beat themselves as they crossed the finish line neck and neck and could not be separated. Molly Nixon (WLYC) had to settle for fourth.
Asymmetrics
The 13 boat Asymmetric fleet went off next and depending on how the days results went anyone of three RS400s, crewed by leader Gledhill/Dowse, Exley/Hall or Catchpole/Coop, could win the series. Exley/Hall (LLSC) showed early intent and sailed off to take the win which put the pressure on Gledhill/Dowse (WRSC) as they could only manage fifth (Their worst result of the series) Second on corrected time was the RS200 of all female crew Louise McKeand/Cathy Partington (and guest – LLSC) Third was the RS400 of the Allen brothers (LLSC) and fourth the RS200 of Gareth/Jen Williams (LLSC)
Solos
The 12 boat Solo fleet were last away and again, depending on how the results went, series leader Brian Sprague (LLSC) could be caught by either Andy Fox (LLSC) or Chris Helsby (LLSC) Phil Barnes (Budworth SC) put in his first appearance of the series and took the win from Sprague in second, Kim Cant (LLSC) third and a rare appearance from Malcolm Waddington in fourth.
After lunch the breeze was as before but quickly began to drop off.
In the Lasers Griffiths showed that his 5th in the first race was but a blip as he took first place in the second race and with it the series. Mike Baldwin (LLSC) came home in second but behind him Keegan and Belfield were battling it out to see who came second in the series. In the end Keegan finished the race in third and Belfield fourth giving Keegan second overall by just one point.
It was the same 1,2,3,4 in the second race in handicap fleet so Cuthbert finished second in the series and Dawson third.
Cooper had to settle for second place in the junior race, behind Latham again, but consoled himself with the series win. Second and third overall went to two Toppers that did not sail today, Lorcan Knowles (LLSC) and Brandon Banner (LLSC)
In the Asymmetries Gledhill/Dowse had the bit between their teeth and scorched off into a massive lead to take the race win and the series by 1.6 points from Exley/Hall who could only manage fifth. McKeand /Partington were consistent with another second and finished the series in third.
Lastly the Solos and it was the same top three in this race as in the first race. In the series overall Sprague took first place, Foxy second and Helsby third.
There’s More to Come
As the Revett sailing series comes to an end we now have a short break to catch our breath before Leigh & Lowton sailing club storms into 2016 with its New Years Day pursuit race (Optimist start time 12.40pm) followed by the Tipsy Icicle series which last year attracted over 180 boats onto the water and this starts on Sunday 3rd January.
Learn to Sail or Improve your Racing
Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club host a number of Beginner and Race Training courses throughout the year for Juniors and Adults. They are delivered by qualified coaches including some of our best sailors or professional instructors. All courses are RYA accredited.
