RC Laser Winter Series at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club – Week 3
by Tony Wilson 17 Feb 06:26 AEDT 5 February 2023
RC Laser Winter Series at Fleetwood week 3 © Tony Wilson 
The direction and lack of wind would mean we only needed our large sails for the day and a two lap figure of eight pattern course at the club end of the lake.
We had our regular RC Laser skippers and Mark Rose took to a kind invitation for a couple of races prior to lunch. The first race had him stranded in the middle of the lake, as Trevor said Tony had given him a duff boat. It was a donated receiver pack he was using, but the second race was also a bit of a washout, as it transpired to be the receiver causing the problem. Also a kindly donated item.
Tony in the meantime snapped a winch line and was beached on the far bank.
Shaun had won the first race and then race 4, whereas Derek had won races three and four. Mark then, now into his stride, got races five and six. It looked like it was going to be an interesting day.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNqJaErm_x8?rel=0&w=790&h=444]
With lunch called and a hope for an increase in wind speed, could Mark be tempted into a couple more, if not all the remaining afternoon races. With a fresh reserve pack he was able to clinch another. Derek was having some rudder trouble so drifted around the middle of the lake for a race or three, until kindly manoeuvred to the side by a tug skipper.
Ian Sinclair was sailing well and managed top spot for a race, but Shaun took a couple more and Tony had put a few good ones on his list.
For the last couple of races GBR 85 and GBR 711 were struggling for enough battery power between the two boats, so Mark parked up. Derek had also washed down and we had concluded with the sixteen races for a nice early finish. The two of them had really put the pressure on, even though only sailing about half of their allocation.
The racing was pretty well balanced out in shifty awkward conditions.
We are racing again this Sunday and Tony hopes for the arrival of a couple of new spare battery packs. Derek should have his Rudder servo replaced and hopefully we have enough wind.
Results:
1 Shaun Holbeche 18pts
2 Tony Wilson 30pts
3 Ian Sinclair 40pts
