Race Report – Hayling Island 26th-27th Sept

The 2009-2010 Laser 4000 series kicked off at Hayling Island where competitors were met with blazing sunshine and light winds.

The first race belonged to Doug and Hilary Baker, pursued by John Reynolds and Fran Howell with Mark Cotgrove and Ian Gotts coming in third. A win in the second race for Mark and Ian placed them first overnight, but with several boats in contention.

Sunday’s first race started in shifty conditions and when the eventual thermal breeze reversed the racecourse many at the back of the fleet were left reaching for their discard. Mark and Ian however read the conditions right, as did John Warburton and James Clapham, coming in first and second respectively.

The sea breeze filled in somewhat and race four became the scene of intense downwind battles. On the final run Mark and Ian were followed closely by James and Erica Bradbury with Huw Powell and Kevin Barnard in third. While the leaders were distracted John and Fran gybed at the perfect moment leaping from fourth place to finish first, thus securing some of Hayling’s fine glassware.

Competition for the final race was between the Bakers and the Bradburys, with Erica and James pulling ahead at the end of the first lap to record their first race win in the Laser 4000.

The event was marked by good judgement from the race committee in the light conditions and close, tactical racing throughout.

1sr Mark Cotgrove Ian Gotts 9pts
2nd John Reynolds Fran Howell 11pts
3rd James Bradbury Erica Bradbury 13pts
4th Doug Baker Hilary Baker 17pts
5th John Warburton James Clapham 18pts
Full results on the HISC website.