Lasers @ Pwllheli
If it’s autumn then once again it is the annual selection trials for the UK Laser teams for the 2008 World and European championship events.
The first weekend in September saw Pwllheli host the first of these qualifiers for both the Laser Radial and Standard fleets. Conditions were good with a steady breeze and sunshine allowing 3 races to be held on Saturday and 2 on Sunday to give a 5 race 1discard series.
Given the healthy state of UK sailing and the Olympic status of both the Laser Radial and Laser classes then you know the competition will be hot in both fleets.
Truro’s Rosie Chapman has been harbouring Olympic ambitions in the Radial fleet but 2 x Black Flags and only 1 discard meant counting a 71, which pushed her down to 35th overall.
It was a disaster as a promising 6th in Race 1 followed by a 20th and a 25th would have lead to a top 20 finish overall.
It is tough with Radial master Jon Emmett winning the event but being chased home by 4 women (lucky fella) with Lizzie Vickers finishing 2nd and Penny Clark 3rd to complete the podium.
Rosie has got to get in amongst them to be certain of retaining her position within the UK Women’s Radial European Team and hopefully advance into the World Team.
Likewise George Cousins from Mounts Bay found the going tough in the Laser Standard fleet finishing 22nd overall after posting an impressive set of results all in the top 25 finishers in all 5 races.
The standard is so high that he only finished the 10th youth in the 58 - boat fleet, which was won by RYA squad member Nick Thompson.
The next qualifier is this weekend at Paignton and hopefully Rosie and George will enjoy better luck and no more black flags!
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