What a week

A report from the Laser 2000 Nationals at Saundersfoot Sailing Club

Wow, what a week! The classes departure from a weekend event to one held over a full week proved to be a great success doubling the numbers attending last years ‘Coastal Championship’.

Described as a ‘sand in your boat venue’ this was proved beyond any doubt to the amusement of those who knew and the two that wondered how? – Thanks Russell.

34 boats travelled to Saunderfoot for the ‘Nationals’ over the week 15-20 August from as far a field as Loch Venacher in Scotland and Chichester on the South Coast. The varying conditions and the venue proved once again that the Laser 2000 is equally suited to racing or leisure sailing, with a good turn of speed being enjoyed where other classes would have long fallen over. All but five of the helm/crew combinations had a common surname showing what a true family class it is with a wide age span of both helms and crews taking part.

Sunday saw the fleet assemble for a practice race in light variable conditions followed by a well attended AGM and Commodores briefing when some crews were reminded of where the bow of their boats were for the placing of bow numbers. The race programme got off to a good start on Monday with two races sailed back to back in almost ideal Force 2-3 conditions with much place changing.

The fleet arrived on the beach Tuesday to a Force 4-6 completing a further three races with some testing out their masthead anti inversion devices. Although other crews were often at the windward mark first it was the consistency of Skip and Zoë and Tim and Linda showing those behind just how the Laser 2000 ought to be sailed.

After a scheduled 'Lay Day' on the Wednesday giving the opportunity to visit the many local attractions, rising winds blew away the Thursday programme. This was appreciated by John & Pauline giving them more time to prepare for the evenings Pub Quiz where ‘Dogs Breath Delight’ (Tim & Linda Hulley, Skip, Jan, Chay & Zoë Atkins, Richard & Sue Morley) scored a victory coming from behind in the closing rounds. Some of this team have a dubious knowledge base! but worthy of mention was Richards’ completion of the Pop Story.

Two further races were completed on the Friday with the fleet diminishing by the minute as conditions deteriorated; any thoughts of a third race were abandoned. The evening’s prize giving saw Skip and Zoë crowned National Champions, with Skip’s main headache Tim and Linda Hulley earning the second spot.

Taking into account the wild weather across most of the country during the week, it was a minor miracle that so much of the sailing programme was completed and provided so much enjoyment to competitors.

A lively social programme was enjoyed by all the families, sailing partnerships and friends during the week - two shots at the Karaoke, the mentioned Pub Quiz, an excellent Barbecue and superb Buffet.

The hospitality of Saundersfoot SC and its members was just outstanding and the PRO Rolfe John with his team providing superb racing in difficult conditions. Thank You.

Results

1st : 'Skip' and Zoë Atkins - Stone SC 5points
2nd : Tim and Linda Hulley - Weir Wood SC 10points
3rd : Robert McCullough and Alma Cadzon - Loch Venacher SC 16points
4th : Ian and Robert Payne – Chichester YC 21points
5th : John and Pauline Cox – Chichester YC 21points

Laser 2000 National Pub Quiz Champion – Jan Atkins (as seen on Stone SC website)