Budworth Sailing Club

The last Sunday of the Autumn Series was sunny with a gusty F2-3 NNW’ly which gradually eased through the afternoon. Despite ice on the ground and around the mere’s edges, it was pleasant sailing in the sunshine.

Even at this late stage three of the five Laser contestants on the water were new to the series and just out for a good sail with some keen competition. At the end of the day the only change on the leader-board was Ben Ditchburn who improved his average and moved up a place.

After the racing finished, prizewinners and friends gathered in the bar where Commodore Mark Philpot presented certificates to the top qualifiers in each fleet. The Lasers were presented with certificates to the top four because we had eight qualifiers, which far exceeded that of any other fleet.

Our winners were: 1st Tony Wilcock, 2nd Dave Nicholson, 3rd Richard Hulme and 4th Chris Allen.

Well done to all, including the remaining four qualifiers plus the fifteen other helms who sailed and helped to make this a memorable and most enjoyable Autumn Series.

Final results will be posted in BSC Laser results in the Members’ area

Sunday started with heavy rain and much lighter winds than we’ve had lately but conditions were still good enough to merit racing. While other fleets prevaricated, four Lasers took to the water and made the most of the mere to themselves for the first race. The undecided southerly held for a second race  but died just before the third. After a short postponement the last race got underway with just enough wind to make it worthwhile.

The honours were shared by Tony Wilcock, who led the first race, and Dave Nicholson who took the next two. Tony now has an unassailable lead in the series with Dave in second place and Richard Hulme in third. Richard could yet gain second place if he sails on Sunday.

There are five helms with 6 races who still could qualify and, while they can’t upset the top three, they could definitely alter the rest of the running order and have some fun on the water in the process. 

Prizegiving

Our Commodore, Mark Philpot, is so impressed with the Laser turnout this series that he would like to present our prizes immediately after racing on Sunday 18th Dec. In that case the bar should be open so why not make it an excuse to come down, if not for a sail then for a drink and a chat before Christmas.

See you down there!

For the results, go to BSC Laser results in the Members’ area

Sunday’s racing was breezy and sometimes wet this week but this didn’t daunt the six lasers out on the water, again the biggest fleet and with the mere to themselves in race 2.

Richard Hulme, Dave Nicholson and Tom Hubbard posted consistent 1st’s, 2nd’s and 3rd’s, closely followed by the rest of the fleet so lots of good competition.

Official results will be posted as soon as Hugh resolves his internet hiccups, but unofficially, having totted up the last two Sunday’s results on my fingers, I now reckon that we have eight qualifiers with Tony Wilcock, Richard Hulme and Dave Nicholson leading the board.

Only 8 races needed and there are five helms who have already sailed 6 races and so could qualify with just one day’s sailing while everyone else who has already sailed in this series could still qualify over the next two Sundays.

Yes, it’s getting a bit colder now but that soon gets forgotten once racing so put on your gloves and balaclavas and, even if it’s just for fun, come and enjoy the last couple of weeks of the best Autumn Series we’ve had for a while.

EJay

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With westerly winds gusting up to F6, Sunday’s sailing presented a real challenge for those who went out on the water. Nearly all the fleets were represented but I’m pleased to say that the largest fleet was again the Lasers with six full rig boats out. Whether the helms were racing for their own pleasure or competing for points, there was a lot of very good boat handling in the extreme conditions. The rewards were good competition and planing reaches at their very best.

Well done to everyone who sailed!

The Budworth OPEN Laser event was on Sunday -  it was great to see we had fourteen boats turn out. Thanks to all those attending for supporting the fleet.
It was a bit of a surprise that we had so few travellers (although I am told this is the norm these days) and similarly it would have been nice to see some of our more regular sailors out on the water.

Despite the forecast we had reasonable winds although it was a bit fickle and light at times, there were a number of changes in the position of the fleet, but all in all it was a good day.

Here are the results: