Location: Fidlers Ferry Sailing Club, Warrington.
1st Boat: 186534 Type: Laser Skipper: Reece Tomlinson
2nd Boat: Redfoot 42 Type Falcon Skipper: Ian Scoular
3rd Boat: Nighthawk 35 Type: Falcon Skipper: Adrian Dodd
The morning rain cleared and the wind increased just before the start of the 12 noon race. With the biggest tide of the year running in fast many of the fleet struggled to make any head way as the starting siren sounded. Early to break was the eventual race winner Reece Tomlinson in his Laser but it took a little while for the rest to make any impression against the river.
Soon all the fleet made head way to the first mark but by then 4 boats had made considerable gains over the fleet which proved later to be impossible to change. Tomlinson held a substantial lead but still need to extend that lead to ensure that the falcon fleet handicaps which is better than the laser was maintained.
Bye the halfway mark, Tomlinson had stretched his lead further, followed by Nighthawk 34, Redfoot 42, & Tommohawk 44, although some way back were having their own battles, whilst the rest of the fleet tried hard to catch them up.
By the final turn Tomlinson was well clear and heading for a comfortable victory whilst behind the 3 leading falcons were making their own misfortunes. Nighthawk 35 still led the chasing boats but being tracked closely by Redfoot 42 who eventually claiming second place due to Nighthawk being handicapped for sailing with 1 crew member short. Whilst Tony Tomlinson the father of race winner Reece Tomlinson managed a creditable 4th spot and certainly he would receive some racing tips from his son. The rest of the fleet made a good impact with all the fleet finishing 6 minutes behind the race winner. The conditions on the day proved to be very challenging which made for some good racing.
Best Performance of the day went to Nick Lowe in Falcon 32 Redkite which has just been refurbished and making it first start at FFSC for 5 years and although not fully finished did well. Our thanks go to Safety boat crews Tom, Marilyn, Mike, & Rigsy for covering the Safety Boat duties on the water to the expected high standards. And also to Sue Worswick, Emma Flynn and Ken Southall for both the results work, officer of the day and refreshments.
Colin Howard, Sailing Secretary
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