There was a good turnout in spite of a very poor wind forecast. It was a Race Officers nightmare as the wind swung everywhere, and the first race saw very light winds, with some better conditions for the second race, then a 45-50 ' shift for the final race, meaning the course had to be changed. This meant all the racing was wide open right to the last race. The laser open was won by Simon Parker from Notts County who organises the Saturday Club, Mick Steer a windsurfer from Carsington was second, with Richard Mason third. The Single handers was won by Ian Firth in a Solo, whilst Peter Anderson won the Toppers.

Despite a poor wind forecast an excellent turnout of 36 lasers and 12 other single-handed boats competed at Notts County Sailing Club's Annual Laser and Single-handed Open.

Race Officer Nadina Lincoln had her work cut out to lay and complete three races in the shifty and changeable conditions but managed this admirably.

LASER OPEN The competitive laser fleet started the day true to form by pushing the line in the first race resulting in a general recall and the black flag making its first appearance of the day. Mick Steer from Carsington used his years of experience to overcome the fickle conditions to win closely followed by Simon Parker of the home club.

Race two followed a similar pattern with the black flag making its second appearance of the day after yet another general recall. Light weather expert Alan Bishop from Fishers Green came to terms with more steady and increasing wind to win with Richard Mason following and Simon Parker in third place putting him in a strong position in the series.

The third race with yet another course change due to a 90 degree wind shift gave the best conditions of the day with a more steady and increasing wind. This time the fleet got away first time and Simon took up the challenge by sailing a superb first beat, rounding the windward mark in the lead. Paul Williamson - Staunton Harold - pushed him all the way but Simon held his nerve and took the win.

This resulted in Simon winning the meeting - the first time that a Notts County sailor has taken the laser trophy since its inception in 1992. Mick Steer (Carsington) took the runners up position with Richard Mason (Notts County) finishing third.

Laser results
Single Handed Open inc Juniors

Link to Photo Slideshow

SINGLE-HANDED
Twelve single-handers came to the line with a strong contingent of Solo Sailors. Simon Hextall, a renowned fireball sailor, showed his skills in a borrowed Solo by taking the first race both on the water and handicap. Solos also managed to take the next four places on handicap.

Race two and with the steadily increasing wind gave Ian Firth an opportunity to take up the challenge with Simon and after a considerable tussle came out top. Solos took the first four places with John Allen struggling in the light winds in his blaze moving up to fifth place. Going into the final race only one of three Notts County Sailors could win the meeting. Ian continued his form and won the race with Ross Ryan (Notts County) finishing second.

This gave Ian the meeting with Simon second and Ross third. In the junior fleet there was close racing throughout the day with toppers taking the first three positions.

Peter Anderson made a clean sweep posting three firsts to take the series with Amy Robinson putting in a great effort performance pushing Peter all the way taking the runners up spot. Cameron Coghill in his first full year of competitive sailing pushed the leaders all the way taking third place overall. It is encouraging to see that all three of these youngsters, all members of the Notts County Junior Development Race Squad, put in such strong performances and dealt with the challenging conditions so well. We look forward to seeing these youngsters continuing their success in future years.