LTSC Regatta Reports and Results

Laser 5000 National Championship - Report

Written by Webmaster Monday, 26 July 2010 20:56

The laser 5000 a twin trapeze dinghy with an asymmetrical spinnaker, requires good team work, sound boat preparation and high fitness levels. All were tested over a demanding weekend.

Race officer Nigel Wallbank laid a windward leeward course with a leeward gate.

Race one saw the entire fleet opt for the safer starboard tack start.

Places changed around the course and at the finish it was mark and Suzie Reynell who were victorious.

Race two saw the fleet away cleanly in a freshening breeze. Capsizes were common across the fleet and the lead changed hands several times. Thomas Sauvel and Alastair Farnham crossed the line first with the Reynell’s close behind.

By the time the third race started the tide had turned and the wind piped up, the Solent chop was at its best and attrition began to play its part in the results.

The L.T.S.C support crews were kept busy with many capsizes as gear failure took it tool on the fleet.

Only four boats were able to complete the final race of Saturday and at the finish it was Reynell from Sauvel with Richard Owens and Nigel Sims in third.

Sunday dawned with the forecast of strong winds.

One team having had a white knuckle ride to the starting area decided they’d had enough excitement for one day, thanked the race officer and returned the clubhouse.

Race one got underway with a much depleted fleet and from the start some of the teams struggled with the conditions. Only three teams finished the race and it was Sauvel again who took the win from Owens, mark Kudinski and Oliver scrimshaw battled well to claim a well earned third place. Race three saw the Solent at its most spectacular with white horses and bright sunshine. This set up an epic contest between Owens and Sauvel who were the leading helms. Capsize followed capsize and even to the last the result was uncertain until, exhausted, Owens and Sims crossed the line ahead. With the conditions deteriorating racing was abandoned for the day, handing the 2010 laser 5000 national championship to Sauvel and Farnham.

Results

1^st T Sauvel/A Farnham

2^nd R Owens/N Sims

3^rd M Reynell/S Reynell

4^th M Kudinski/O Scrimshaw

5^th P Burns/MFittes