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Brightlingsea - 2005 |
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Europes
welcomed at Brightlingsea 4th - 5th June
As the Class is in a transitional period following its Olympic de-selection, finding other classes and clubs who are willing to assist has been difficult, therefore a big thank you to the Blaze Class and Brightlingsea SC for allowing us to run alongside their Nationals. Congratulations on getting into the 50+ club, it is certainly an example for the Europes to try and follow. The entry of eight boats, which is increasing at every event, found the very strong wind conditions of Saturday rather testing but raceable. Whilst picking their way through a fleet of capsized or demasted Blazes, the Europe helms showed how it should be done. Unfortunately over eagerness at the start saw Katie Mapplebeck and Kerrie Forster completing the tough course only to record OCS’s. The race itself was led from start to finish by Robert Laurie who used his weight and longevity in the Class to good effect, finishing some distance ahead of the rest of the fleet, with Ian Stow in second. The race officer thought that he had seen enough damage for one day, and therefore sent both fleets in - much to the gratitude of the Class Chairman who unexpectedly was therefore able to dash off to attend a family wedding, and earn lots of brownie points! Sunday although overcast was less windy and three races were completed without further mishap. Katie Mapplebeck was again over eager at the second start but returned, unlike Robert Laurie and Tobin Dennis who both thought they were safe. Ian Stow and Robert Laurie stretched out a comfortable gap on the fleet only for Robert to score an OCS rather than a second behind Ian. That therefore let Richard Eagleton and Gareth Williams jump up a spot. The second race of the day was a much closer affair, with the lead changing many times between Katie Mapplebeck, Ian Stow and Gareth Williams,.However it was Ian Stow who broke free. After building up a sizeable gap, Ian decided (old age effecting his memory!) to follow the Blazes rather than the correct course, but upon realising his mistake charged down the final run to try and catch Richard & Gareth. At the final mark, Ian managed to get inside them both to recapture the lead just before the finish. With the wind building slightly and the tide having turned for the final race, Robert Laurie got a clear pin end start and led unchallenged for the majority of the race. Richard Eagleton and Ian Stow both chased hard, and it was not until the final 20 yards of the last run that Ian just caught Robert and crossed the line in front, to become the overall winner. A screaming reach back the club in glorious sunshine rounded off a really well run event, and hopefully the Class will be invited back again. Robert Laurie
Results 1st Ian Stow, Weston SC 2nd Robert Laurie, Dabchicks SC 3rd Richard Eagleton, Bexhill SC 4th Gareth Williams, Leigh & Lowton
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