Sunday racing update

Published 22:53 on 12 May 2025

Sunday 11th May - Spring Series races 5 and 6, Spring Handicap race 3.

A glorious day for the spectators, with bright sunshine and a gentle breeze. On the water it was a slightly different story with more wind, less wind, no wind, from all points of the compass! but that didnt not stop our Spring Series leader adding to his series success. In fact it is turning into a Gordon Bennell Solo lockout, with another two first places. Overall Mark consolidates first place, followed by Simon and Julie, second in their Miracle sandwiched between Gordon and fellow Solo helm Matthew Bennett in third place.

Today our race comments come from Clare Cormell, Asst Race Officer for the day.

This week your race reporter is no literary legend but will do her best to provide you with a few bits of random information about Sundays activities. 

Gordons Solo led the way around the first race, and was clear ahead at the finish line. The pursuing pack had a hair-raising finale as five boats converged on the final mark at once. Next time, please make the Race Officers job easier by forming an orderly queue to go over the finish line. 

The course was shortened for the second race due to light winds and still waters at the far end of the lake. There was a small crisis when the Assistant Race Officer realised that she had forgotten to order her bacon sandwich, but the safety boat was put to good use and got a message to shore. Phew! It was great to see Jim sailing with Maisie; club members here are always generous with their time and expertise to support newer members. The Lasers set off with determination, but in the end Gordon snagged the top spot yet again.  

The afternoon racing saw Doug and Ian heading out in the Bosun (not on a bison as autocorrect would have it), and Geoff and Jim teamed up in the Miracle. Mark Nield led all the way, with the Phantom Menace not quite menacing enough. 

The sun shone and there were smiles all round. Another lovely day spent at Shotwick Lake.

Results

Race 5: 1, Gordon Bennell (Solo), 2, Simon and Julie Dolman (Miracle), 3, Jeremy Cooper (Lightning)

Race 6: 1, Gordon Bennell (Solo), 2, Mark Nield (Laser), 3, Ian Duncan (Laser)

The Spring Handicap overall sees the Dolmans Miracle in the hands of Gaz Henshall and Julie Dolman in first place overall followed by Chris Draper in his Topper and the Miracle of Dave Thomas and Shan Stapely in third place.

Race 3: 1, Chris Draper (Topper), 2, Mark Nield (Laser), Joe Sergeant (Laser Radial) 

Photo: race 3, boats approaching the first mark.

Last updated 08:01 on 13 May 2025