Sunday Laser racing at Maidenhead Sailing Club
by Gary Bullock 9 Mar 2020 09:43 NZDT
8 March 2020
Countdown on 40 seconds to go during the Sunday Laser racing at Maidenhead © James Gladwym
Ask yourself these questions. Where can I get some competitive friendly Laser racing in Berkshire with high turnouts, great sailing area, low membership fees and most importantly cheap beer?
Maidenhead Sailing Club over the past year has seen Laser numbers grow especially in the youth section. We have a diverse Laser fleet in ages and abilities so whatever skill level you are at you are sure to get some good racing.
Sunday 8th of March 13 Laser sailors went into battle on the waters of Summerleaze Lake, 7 radial rigs and 6 standards racing in the 30 minute morning pursuit race in which all fleets including Solos and Albacores raced in the 12-18 south westerly wind. Youth sailor Thomas Knight managed to sail into clear air and won by a hefty margin followed by standard rig Adam Meekings. This race is then followed by fleet races, Albacore, Lasers, Solo and Menagerie fleets all start on separate starts.
The 40 minute Laser race was won by myself with Chris Nash second but close racing was seen all throughout the fleet especially between Tom Jacob and Ben in the radials all taking it in turns to head the fleet at some time, although we all start together the RO records the times and handicaps are applied. There is a difference in racing format on the first Sunday of the month where we have 3 short handicap races, we can have up to 35 boats on the start line as we all start together so a good start is essential, we are all normally off the water by 12.30 and then it is time to hit the bar to discuss the mornings activities over a drink.
We plan to run some Laser training this year aimed at club sailors by the race coaches at MSC which will be free for club members. This will be communicated either through our Whats app group or the group email which keeps you up to date on all things Laser including any open meetings that we regularly attend in the Thames Valley area. MSC Laser open will be on Sunday the 26th of April.
We have 3 Laser club boats for use by club members for a small fee which are all XD rigged.
Ex Javelin Sailor Dave has just joined us at Maidenhead with his Laser and wrote this on our Whats app group after his first sail at Maidenhead. "I would like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome, great club with great racing"
Membership starts from April so why don't you come and join us at Maidenhead sailing club. Please visit website www.maidenheadsc.org.uk