While there was again an early start planned at the GP14 UK National Championships at Abersoch with the First Start Gun scheduled for 10:30, the wind had other ideas and the fleet was kept ashore. Racing cannot start unless there is a minimum of 6kts.
Report by Sutton Dinghy Club competitor David Johnston
Eventually, a bit of breeze filled in and the PRO called for a launch of the fleet. Ourselves and Club mates Peter Boyle started about 1/4 way down line from the committee boat, knock came so we tacked off to the right-hand side. We opted for pace rather than height and then another knock came at the layline so we tacked. We slightly overlayed it but Peter & Stephen got it spot on and rounded 4th, Mike Senior 5th with us in 6th. We had been 3rd at the weather mark in one race earlier in the week but got squeezed on to the mark and had to do turns. This was quite enjoyable. My new crew Collie in only his second event was a bit confused.
The first reach was very low, Jim Hunt got ahead of us, Mike Seniors boat speed was very good and got ahead of Peter, but no one else. There was a big gap between ourselves and next pack. Back upwind ourselves and Peter and Jim Hunt went back outright, looking good. Tacked back and saw Mike had taken the lead through shifts and boat handling. He was first around the weather before wind shut down and race canned.
Gutted but great to be up the front of the fleet for once this week after a few very very hard days at the office. I am sure our Club mates Peter & Stephen would have loved to get a finish and consolidate a top 10 spot. Weather looks iffy for tomorrow so it may all remain as is.
