Elton Laser Open July 6th

Elton Sailing Club's 150th year, 20 competitors entered the Laser Open with 8 visitors and 12 home boats.

The first race commenced in a southerly shifting F2-3 breeze, the not unexpected sight of Ian Jones (Dovestones) was first to the windward mark but was forced to battle all the way with David Jessop (Grafham Water), followed closely by youths Andrew Brown (Budworth) and Robert Holmes (Elton). These positions were maintained to the finish.

Lunch was served by Club Stewarts Dave and Lisa, and the second race started in gradual dropping winds. With Jones in the middle of the pack at the windward mark there appeared to be an opportunity for AN Other to take the bullet. However, with two beats in each lap there were also opportunities to change or lose position and the result was Jones followed by Jessop, Brown and Holmes.

After a quick break, uncharacteristic Manchester sunshine and a dropping wind would have excused some for packing up early. Starting in F1 conditions soon changed to F5 to 6 as the dark clouds and thunder brought some welcome white water planning, with some competitors inspecting their hulls a bit earlier than intended. The wind then dropped to breath strength and the OD John Marsh finished the race a lap early in the order of Jones, Brown, Holmes and Jessop.

Overall Results:

1st Ian Jones (Dovestone)
2nd David Jessop (Grafham Water)
3rd Andrew Brown (Budworth) (1st youth)

1st Lady, Kay Tickle (West Lancs)
1st Radial, Charlotte Greenhalgh) (Elton)
1st Master, Peter Finney (Elton)