Weir Wood Laser Open 2008

A good north easterly breeze at about 12 knots enabled Race Officer Tin Hulley to use the full length of the reservoir for the four races in the Weir Wood Laser Open meeting on Sunday May 18th. However, a somewhat inexplicable total of only 21 helms, including 7 visitors, took part in what was really a perfect day’s racing. Interestingly, all but two of the participants qualified as Masters Sailors.

Race one went to Weir Wood sailor Simon Barrington who took out a commanding lead in the early stages. The club’s sailing secretary, Neil Peters held onto a useful place until he discovered that the use of an old watch strap for a clew tie-down proved highly ineffective! Race two went to another local sailor, Peter Young, with Barrington in second place. The course became more interesting as the race went on and the windward mark drifted down towards the first downwind wing mark, making for some interesting manoeuvres. After lunch, Sergio Messina from Chipstead found his usual form and took first place in race three from Barrington and Young. That proved to be a decisive result because Peter Young’s win in race 4 put him on equal points with Simon Barrington, but secured him the meeting over Simon with two first places to one on the count-back. Sergio finished third with Weir Wood sailor David Binding fourth and first Grand Master.

Thanks to Tim and Linda Hulley for a brilliant day’s racing, with Weir Wood at its best!

Results:

1st Peter Young 2nd Simon Barrington 3rd Sergio Messina 4th David Binding 5th David Goddard 6th Bruce Ramshaw

Weir Wood Weir Wood Chipstead Weir Wood Bewl Valley Weir Wood

1st Grand Master

Report by Chris Fyans