Annual ILCA Laser Open
Published 10:52 on 14 Apr 2024
On Saturday 13th April, competitors to Spinnaker's annual ILCA Laser Open were greeted with that all-to-rare Spring sunshine, warm air and the Spinnaker favourite of a South/ South Westerly force 3; 20 ILCA Lasers including 7 visitors attended the briefing at 1030.
The full lake was used with two beats, a long run and a couple of short linking reaches.
The 1st race started at 11.00 and saw all boats cleanly off the line with the ILCA 7/ Laser standard rigs as one fleet of 12, and a combined ILCA 4 & 6 fleet of 8 boats as the second start. The first race set the tone of competitive starting, grouped to the Hut end, with plenty of jostling and just the odd foray into individual recalls.
In Race 1 the close rivalry between Keith and Cam was evident with both getting clear and never far apart. As Keith rounded the last mark ahead, as he had done all race, a nervous short upwind leg saw each tacking with Cam finding the pace to take the race by 6 seconds. In the ILCA 6 / Radials Tristan got clear and took the race with 30 seconds over Olly.
Race 2 had the fleets away on time. This time Cam led throughout had the necessary 30 seconds of lead to hold off the challenge on the runs and cover the beats. Andy, Adrian and Sam traded positions each lap with Andy coming through for the 3rd place. In the ILCA 6 Radials, Olly started his run of 3 wins, with a two-minute lead on the fleet. Many radials sailed strongly and were not far off the ILCA 7 fleet despite starting three minutes later.
Over lunch, the wind dropped slightly and showed some interest in heading West but only required small tweaks to the configuration.
In Race 3, the breeze woke up again, and lunch fuelled some more ambitious starting in the ILCA 6 fleet and 3 rightly recalled, and Robert joined them too. It did not disrupt Olly who again led, with James (rarely seen in a Laser, but maybe more now) showing consistent pace taking the second. In the ILCA 7 fleet Cam again lead the first three laps, with Sam Petty having his best race to finish just 8 seconds behind. Adrian took a third right up there too. All day Lottie and Jasmine duelled in the ILCA 4s and creditably raced in amongst the ILCA 6's in every race.
Race 4, with the wind dropped slightly, saw increasingly tired bodies complete over 3 hours of race time. In the ILCA 7 Keith helped by skilled starting, saw him lead throughout over Cam and Sam. In the ILCA 6 Radials Olly, Tristan and James took the places, matching the day's series result.
It was a fantastic day sailing for all rigs; Cam, Olly and Lottie are worthy ILCA 7/6/4 winners. All Sailers are commended on their fair, fun and fast approach.
Class Captain Ian dealt out the prizes and competitors, fed and watered, departed with aching limbs, and smiling faces. The full results are available here on our Results Page.
Thanks to the Club, in particular James and Ian for so much behind the scenes preparation, and to the on-the day- crew of John, Les, Amanda, Phil and Nick.
Next up, the Solo and Byte Open on Saturday 11th May.
Last updated 09:43 on 18 April 2024
