Twilight - Race Four
Published 15:18 on 1 May 2025
Race Officer Gwyn Jones tells the story of Wednesdays twilight race:
Twilight Series Race Report Shotwick Lake SC 30 April 2025
The Twilight Series at Shotwick Lake Sailing Club delivered an intriguing evening of racing, set against the backdrop of the warmest day of the year. With the sun casting golden light across the water and a forecast hinting at shifty conditions, competitors were greeted by a gentle, steady breeze—until the wind decided to play its own game.
Just one minute before the start gun, the breeze dramatically swung 180 degrees, turning a planned beat into an unexpected downwind dash off the line. What initially looked like it might be a straightforward follow-my-leader affair quickly evolved into a tactical contest with multiple battles unfolding across the fleet.
The Laser class provided some of the evenings closest action, with Ian, Ian, Joe, and Mark engaged in a five-lap duel that saw frequent place changes and tight mark roundings. Meanwhile, in the Lightning class, Mark and Jeremy locked horns over the first two laps, trading tacks and keeping the racing sharp.
Dave, in his Solo, sailed a measured race, holding off the chasing Lasers with smart positioning and clean air management, demonstrating the advantage of sailing your own race in tricky conditions.
At the front of the fleet, Pete in the Phantom capitalised on the conditions perfectly to take the on-the-water win, pulling ahead early and never looking back. Jeanette in her Aero followed in second, sailing a consistent race, while Jim in a Laser rounded out the podium with a strong performance.
With warm weather, shifting breeze, and close-quarters sailing, the evening encapsulated all thats best about the Twilight Series—relaxed yet competitive, unpredictable yet rewarding.
Looking forward to more of the same next week!
So how did the corrected results play out?
Race 4: 1, Jeremy Cooper (Lightning), 2, Simon and Julie Dolman (Miracle), 3, Dave Thomas (Solo)
Twilight overall: 1, Jeremy Cooper (Lightning, 2, Simon and Julie Dolman (Miracle), 3, Shan Stapely (Mirror S/H)
Photo: Vicki Hall
Last updated 16:03 on 1 May 2025
