Laser League

The sudden arrival of autumn (a shock after the balmy days at Poole the week before) and rumours of gale force winds were not enough to deter a hardy bunch of hardcore sailors (Robbie, Renato, Sara, Sally, Joe and Stephanie, with Paul in the safety boat) from competing in the laser league this weekend.

Soon enough everyone was looking their best in various figure hugging wetsuits and dry suits and all were ready to brave the river. Feelings among the group varied from great excitement to downright terror. Debate and bets ensued over who would capsize first and how soon.

There were six short races so I can’t remember who won – I hear though that one keen new member on her second laser outing was often spotted sailing ahead and leaving the others behind. Only joking – Renato seemed to win most races, with most of the other racers giving him a good run for his money, especially Robbie, who pipped him twice. The strong wind made for some excellent sailing and good fun - as well as lots of capsizing, with all in the water at one point or another, and practice at tipping boats back up. The capsizing did not put off Sally who decided to join the club - welcome Sally!

Much of the rest of the afternoon was spent basking in adoration at baby Joshua and drinking warming tea.

(NB: Some artistic licence may have been taken in describing the force of the wind).

Saturday 1 August 2009 - from our reporter & Laser Captain, Robbie Nelson

Hey SBSC Laser Racers,

This warm summer’s morning brought a few smiles to the participants today. The S-SW wind started with force 1 to 2 and finished up 3 to 4, making a it a great day for sailing. Jeremy was there to push us off, upgrade Henry Lloyd and tell funny jokes. I ran the small safety boat. The most eventful race was #2 with Kate wanting to cool off, so she capsized and spent some time in the river; Jane decided to check out the flora sprouting from the Fulham wall, finding herself stuck to some branches; and Joseph tried to sail without an outhaul finding it difficult going to windward (and still finishing 2^nd!). Don had a spectacular day on his bruised banana, but something looked different….

Something suspicious:

After an inspection it was discovered that Don had a brand new sail! So despite Joseph’s, Kate’s and Jane’s best efforts they couldn’t keep up with Don. We checked with the Laser committee to see if we had to DQ Don as it was found out that a) he got an incredible deal on a laser sail and b) it is made by Rooster and therefore not sanctioned by laser. After review it has been decided by the Laser committee that since Don is an accomplished sailor, he will get to keep his points and continue to use his “fancy smancy” new sail. His bruised banana boat now is more like a bananas foster now.

A good job done by everyone today!

The outcomes of the races were:

Helm Race Points

1 2 3

Don 4 4 4 12

Joseph 3 3 3 9

Kate 2 2 2 6

Jane 1 1 1 3

Thanks!

Robbie Nelson