Goodison leads the field

Olympic Gold medallist shows the way at the second Laser Spring World and European qualifier

60 Laser Standard sailors journeyed to Highcliffe Sailing Club for the 2nd Spring World and European qualifier. The sailors were greeted by a strong over 20 knot northerly breeze, which was gusting at times close to 30 knots. Race Officer Ken Falcon and his team set a triangle / sausage course for racing.

Race 1: The leading pack had emerged from the pin end of the start line having been able to tack quickly after the starting gun. A long left hand shift advantaged those on the left hand side of the course who were able to take a few short shifts on their approach to the windward mark. Paul Goodison led the race followed by the Godwin brothers, Rob and Stu, Mark Powell, and Nick Thompson. Goodison pulled away on the downwind legs whilst his pursuers battled for the remaining top spots. The upwind legs proved testing with plenty of shifts and pressure changes making tactical decision making difficult for those trying to attack the top placings and those trying to defend their positions. Goodison finished 1st, Rob Godwin 2nd, Mark Powell 3rd, Stu Godwin 4th, and Nick Thompson 5th.

Race 2: Race 2 required a restart after the race had to be abandoned. A huge squall, which was followed by a short calm period, caused the problems. Half way up the first upwind leg, a left pressure band advantaged those who were furthest left on the racecourse. Again Goodison led at the windward mark closely followed by Powell and James Gray. The first three boats screamed down the first two reaches chased by Thompson and Greg Carey. On the second upwind leg the top three places were still up for grabs. Goodison took first closely followed by Powell who took 2nd with Gray in 3rd. Thompson finished 4th and Greg Carey 5th.

Race 3: Race three was determined by a large right hand shift on the first beat. Gray led at the windward mark having started in the middle of the start line and led into the right hand side of the course. Max Holloway, Phil Reynolds, Greg Carey, George Cousins, and Mike Simms chased Gray down the first downwind legs. Gray held on until the last third of the 2nd beat where Holloway and Reynolds seized the advantage, overtaking Gray at the windward mark. First place was still there for the taking on the final downwind leg. Holloway got the better of Reynolds and Gray taking 1st. Reynolds took a well deserved 2nd with Gray finishing 3rd. Greg Carey finished 4th, and George (‘gorgeous’) Cousins taking 5th.

Sunday: The forecast on Sunday got the better of the sailors. Race Officer Ken Falcon was forced to abandon racing after a three hour wait to see if the calm would be replaced by a useable breeze.

Finishing Results:

1st Paul Goodison 2 pts
2nd Mark Powell 5 pts
3rd James Gray 6 pts
4th Max Holloway 8 pts
5th Greg Carey 9 pts

The final spring qualifier will take place at Lowestoft Sailing Club on 2-3 May.