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Club News

Whitstable Yacht Club LaserFest 17 Report

Posted: Tuesday, 18 July, 2017

LaserFest was conceived as a weekend of tight Laser racing and great socials with the objective of getting as many WYC Lasers on the water as possible. Looking back on a great weekend of racing, an amazing BBQ and some amusing banter its mission was accomplished – and in some style.
With a turnout of 38 boats over the two days, we welcomed 6 visitors to add to 32 WYC boats – the envy of some of our other club fleets. PRO Mark Barnes ran a tight ship, with long accurate courses to take on Saturday’s brisk conditions and shorter challenge to match Sunday’s softer breeze.
We were privileged to recently receive a legacy from long time WYC and international Laser sailor Peter Raymer, and his trophy was awarded to the best WYC boat by his son John. When the sums were done it was apparent that youth had triumphed with James Goodfellow the most consistent in both strong and lighter conditions to become overall winner and 1st WYC boat – well done Baby Spice!
Runner up was Niall Martin thanks to his 4,1 on day 2 pushing Nigel Brown down to 3rd with radial Jeff Loosemore taking 4th – we are glad he’s joining WYC so we can learn just a few of his secrets (and get trashed again).
Prizes were awarded throughout the fleet with special awards for first lady, Ruth Oliver, first cadet radial Tom Oliver and especially for 10 year old Christopher Marsh from Thailand who finished every race in his 4.7.
For the event report on Yachts&Yachting, see www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/197223/Whitstable-Yacht-Club-LaserFest-17.
Laserfest 17 was a successful event on every level – 38 boats was above expectations, and so great to see WYC Lasers who’ve struggled to race this year due to family commitments having a go at big fleet racing. Let’s hope it stimulates even better turnouts for the rest of the season and encourages the rest of WYC to do the same.
Thanks to the WYC Laser Fleet for organising the event, Race Office Mark Barnes and the rest of the Safety and Support team, Steve Gray for the report, and Katerina Kelly for the photos!