Roger McD at the helm

Thursday’s race turned into a real battle of the Lasers with Phil Samuel and Roger McDonald neck and neck all the way to the finish line. Sarah Mason and Dave Philpott altered the line start slightly, bringing it back to the Bosahan mark, giving the boats a better beat. The north westerly wind which can often prove so fluky and shifty, gave no trouble on the night.

Phil Samuel gained the advantage at the start and soon took the lead. Not to be outdone, Roger McDonald chased hard and with some canny sailing, rounded the next mark ahead. Phil Philpott and Carrie Hoskins in the National 12 also showed great resilience. Even after getting tangled with another competitor’s main sheet on the start line and dealing with a minor collision at the second mark, they still stormed ahead to stay in third place throughout.

In the following group, Richard Graham Vyvyan in his Wayfarer, cruised past everyone despite a good effort from Adam Mason and Olly Berriman to hold him off. However, the night belonged to the Laser veterans who gave their all to ensure that they took the honours at the line. ‘Winning isn’t everything, but the effort of winning is’ (Ziglar). Congratulations to Roger McDonald for his fine win on this occasion.

Race results:

• 1st Roger McDonald
• 2nd Phil Samuel
• 3rd Phil Philpott and Carrie Hoskins

In stark contrast to Thursday’s fabulous conditions, Saturday’s race became a victim of the strong, gusting westerly winds and lack of competitors at the start line. Despite the best efforts of some, namely one mad McD, it was eventually abandoned.

If you are interested in dinghy sailing with HRSC please call the club office on 01326 231006 for further information.