Dobroyd Aquatic Club hosted the 2023 RC Laser NSW Titles over the weekend of 19020 August. 15 Sailors competed in a very successful event over 16 races.
There was a range of weather conditions which proved a fair test in all aspects of RC sailing. Both days had mostly clear skies and temps around the low 20’s.
Day 1 provided very strong winds, mostly from the West. The wind speeds averaged 17 with gusts to 41 Km/Hr, (9 up to 22 Knots). The Fleet chose “C” sails and they lasted for the day’s sailing.
The sailing was very competitive. Under the watchful eyes of Race Officer Paul Martin. A couple of General Recalls set the scene for some great racing.
An early leader, Graham Brown, stamped his prowess with a few wins. Graham showed no easing and continued to win every scoring race for the day. Second in contention was Peter Close who was the main challenger and won the remaining race. Peter scored many places and secured second place at the end of day 1. The only other sailor in contention was Noel McPherson. Noel took many places to position comfortably in third place. We completed 9 races in good time.
Day 2 presented very light winds which brought out our “A” sails. Our Club weather station recorded 4 to 14 Km/ Hr, (2 to 8 Knots) for most of the afternoon. A late wind change from the North had many instant sail changes, a mix of “B” and “C” sails came out with “C”’s proving a better choice for some. The wind peaked at 27 Km/Hr, (14 Knots).
Graham Brown was virtually untouchable as he continued his dominance on the water. Graham won all remaining races except for a second place in race 12. A tangle in race 11 had a potential DNF which was corrected with a redress, giving Graham 1.2 points. Graham totalled 14.2 points for 13 scoring races and a superb win for the gold medal.
Peter Close continued from Saturday with his high class sailing. Peter had another win and many places, to be unchallenged and to earn his second place and the silver medal. I (Brian Chapman), continued with my early success. After an overall placing of 5th after day 1, my aim was to hope for a fourth. Rob Lowndes, a very skilful sailor in any field was the challenge. Good fortune and staying out of trouble gave me a win in race 12. I was delighted to take third place by a count back and the bronze medal.
There were many good performances on both days. Bruce Hilliard and Martin Thearle won a race each. Noel McPherson looked to have locked in third place, but after an uncharacteristic off day, scored equal points for third. A count back gave Noel fourth place overall. Many sailors had some pleasing results. Rob Lowndes, Bruce Hilliard a win, Richard Thorpe, Martin Thearle a win, David Page our visitor from PRYC, Narelle Derwent and Geoff Lucas (unable to sail day 2), all had one or more places in a very strong field.
There were many who made this day possible, and a great success.
Our Race Officer, Paul Martin, who made a couple of trips down from the Blue Mountains to officiate. Thank you Paul. Jill Brown, our scorer provided another nicely legible sheet. Thank you Jill. Matt and Richard, our boat crew, provided the course settings and the many adjustments as required by the Race Officer. Thank you Matt and Richard. John Porter, our DAC sailor, volunteered to video our days on the water. Thank you John. These will be forwarded when completed. David Page travelled from Queensland to compete. Thank you David, a great effort. Along with Noel McPherson and Graham Brown, our format from previous events again worked well.
And to all entrants, you made this day with good competitive sailing, a great atmosphere and many helping hands, thank you.
Words by Brian Chapman #246
