The headline reads that Scott Fleming is the 2017 NSW State RC Laser Champion.
But beneath that headline there was a day of high drama on the water; with everyone having at least one drama of some sort. We had radios crashing; we had servos cooking; we had weed; new sail problems. Everyone was touched – from the top to the bottom. But it was a great day.
I believe many of us had results that exceeded expectations; and conversely… some of us did not come up to our expectations. And isn’t that what it is all about?
The day of the 2017 NSW State RC Laser Championship started out clear and bright, with just a light north westerly wind on calm water. But when it came to set the course, the wind started fading and bouncing around from NW to NE. We were finally able to settle on a course which was OK for a couple of races; then a north easterly started to settle in, which caused a significant course change; but stayed fairly true for the remainder of the day.
We started out on A sails, but that only lasted for a couple of races before the B sails started appearing; and it wasn’t too long before the C sails came out, with some murmurs of needing a D sail soon; but that never eventuated.
Skippers Experience Challenging Conditions
The water went from essentially dead calm through to a very lumpy motion that was difficult to penetrate; and punished anyone who tacked at the wrong moment at the top of a wave. Rounding the marks was difficult if you went close because you were likely to get thrown onto the buoys if you were on the wrong wave.
As a final event before the RC Laser Championship of Nations and the 2017 RC Laser Australian championships it doesn’t come much better than yesterday’s contest. It was hard sailing. There will be a lot of reviewing of boats, gear, sails that comes out of it.
For the event, we welcomed Taco Faber from the Nederland – he had a new boat and sails to deal with, so it was very much a shake down for him; but he will need to be watched at the CON.
Malcolm Kampe made a surprise visit from Queensland for the event, and things were going well for him before his radio expired; and we could not get a replacement radio going to suit him. His retirement was unfortunate, and we were sad to see it.
Scott Fleming came up from Victoria on his way to the CON, and showed what a master he is – even with having gear problems he emerged victorious.
It was that sort of day – everyone had results they would rather forget. Even if you didn’t have gear difficulties you were not going to get off scott free – there was weed out there that humbled everyone at some stage or another.
2017 NSW State RC Laser Championship Results
At the end of 8 rounds, Scott was clearly in front with 7 points, following by Graham Brown on 22, and Daniel Bergan on 26 points. From the 9th round to the last, there was some juggling of the placings, but the top place getters were always up there.
So, congratulations to Scott, Graham and Jason Rootes as the placegetters for 2017. Well sailed. Actually, everyone is to be congratulated for taking part in the event.
I also want to thank the un-named helpers who assisted without recognition – these events cannot be held without your help.
See you at the Championship of Nations 2017 on 6 November – we were well prepared for it yesterday.
Cheers
Noel McPherson
RCL#65
