Laser Eastern and Home Counties GP at Ely Sailing Club
by Kevin Levett, Ely Sailing Club 16 May 2011 19:59 NZST
15 May 2011
Lasers at Ely © David Cammann
Eighteen sailors arrived at Ely Sailing Club to take part in this year’s Laser Open event part of the Laser Eastern and Home Counties Region Grand Prix Circuit which is competed for over the whole sailing season.
The sailors had to contend with a very fickle wind which varied in strength over the three races held during the day.
Race one was sailed before lunch and was won by Alan Bishop from Girton Sailing Club who was also the winner of last year’s event. Alan did have to fight to win the race. He was leading at the first buoy but was quickly overtaken by Timothy Lupton from Ely Sailing Club, they were nip and tuck throughout the race until Alan took the win.
Races two and three where sailed after lunch. Race two was sailed in lighter winds and was won by Veronica Falat from Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club. She was ahead of the fleet at the first buoy followed closely by Timothy Lupton. Veronica held the lead for the first two laps to be overtaken on lap three by Scott Bilham from Ely Sailing Club. Veronica battled back to regain the lead on lap four and held first place to the finish.
Wind strength dropped further for race three. Graham Lund from Aldenham Sailing Club reached the first buoy ahead of the chasing Lasers but was closely followed by Alan Bishop and Veronica Falat. Veronica took the lead by the end of the first lap and held on to take the win.
By winning two out of the three races Veronica Falat deservedly took overall honours for the day. She is also the first lady helm to win the event in club memory.
Overall Results:
1st Veronica Falat (Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club)
2nd Alan Bishop (Girton Sailing Club)
3rd Graham Lund (Aldenham Sailing Club)
Prizes were also awarded to Scott Bilham finishing first from the competitors of Ely Sailing Club and to Timothy Lupton who was first in the youth category.