Elton Laser Open July 5th

Sunshine and wind greeted the Laser sailors for the Elton leg of the Northern Traveller series.

After a briefing by OD Clive Roberts, a course was set and nine home boats and six visitors took to the water facing a steady force 2-3 for the first start. Good manners and a true start line bought an even start only for Mark Jackson to pull ahead to take the first mark, followed by the home boats of Finney & Gamble with Leonard from Pennine pursuing in a radial. Wind strength dropped and then came back in force but despite Jackson having some main sheet issues, could not be fronted and took the win. Leonard pushed and passed Gamble only to choose the wrong side on a variable beat to drop a position again.

As the helms retired for lunch the wind dropped to glass like conditions, but as the 30 minute signal went the wind returned on time. The Docherty's of Dovestone arrived saving themselves for the 2nd race. A port biased start was well judged by Tom Cornthwaite and took the initial lead on the beat but couldn't hold off the full rigs. Jackson was first to the windward mark followed by Gamble and Docherty. Wind strength increased and Docherty moved into second place as full hiking and planning conditions took hold, but could not touch Jackson.

Race 3 started with Jackson taking the lead, followed by the improving O'Brien and Cox to the first mark. Docherty and Leonard chased and moved through to take 2nd and 3rd behind Jackson, with John O'Brien clear in 4th.

A fine day's sailing enjoyed by all.

Overall Results:

1st Mark Jackson (Elton)
2nd Alistair Docherty (Dovestone)
3rd Peter Finney (Elton)
4th David Gamble (Elton)
5th & 1st Radial, Alex Leonard (Pennine)
6th John O'Brien (Elton)
7th Chris Cox (Elton)
8th Ray Cumley (Elton)
9th Tom Cornthwaite (Elton)
10th & 1st Lady, Amy Mercer (West Lancs)