Hastings & St. Leonards Laser Open

Hastings & St. Leonards Laser Open

Winds were force 2 to 3 from the east for the Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club Laser Open, which was also part of the South Easter Laser Grand Prix. Eleven boats entered the competition although only nine were ready for the first of the four races.

Hugh Ashford, from the home club, was quick off the start line and first to the windward mark with Rupert Smith from Newhaven & Seaford SC on his tail. Ashford keep ahead until touching a mark and then Smith’s boat, leading to penalty turns that allowed Smith through and on to win.

In the second race a late arrival, Roger O’Golman from Queen Mary’s SC, joined the fleet and set the standard. O'Golman led form the start and was never seriously challenged. Racing was close in the chasing pack with second place going to the senior sailor on the course, Roy Sandford, who slipped it into the Great Grand Master category.

After a break for lunch, the pattern was resumed with O’Golman clear at the front and the rest of the fleet fighting for clean air and jostling each other around the triangle / sausage course.  The club’s commodore, Andy Francis, took second.

The final race saw O’Golman delivering another lesson in exemplary light airs sailing. Rupert Smith fought hard to keep up with him but was outclassed and settled for second.

With one discard allowed, O’Golman won the competition without worrying about missing the first race. Smith was second and Melanie Clark from the home club was third. For those hoping for stronger winds and the chance to surf the waves it was not to be, but racing was close and the competition fierce for everyone sailing in O’Golman’s wake.

Results