Scottish Grand Prix Series

Results for Dalgety Bay SC Laser Standard GP

Results

(by Peter Malcolm)

Even before the start on Saturday, there were signs that changing conditions would make life tricky for both competitors and Race Officer with direction varying between south and west, and strength from F1 to F3. Race 1 produced a very interesting battle, where picking the shifts was vital and Pete Malcolm got the breaks that mattered to take the lead, and then hold off the challenge of Andrew Clegg and John Evans. Race 2 started in a similar fashion, but before the end of the first beat it turned into a fetch, and once again Pete was in the right place. Though the wind varied in strength, the direction remained such that there was no beat, and Pete was able to pull out a comfortable lead from John Evans and Peter Taylor in the ensuing drag race. After a postponement to move the course, during which the wind was swinging between west and northeast, an attempt was made at race 3 however before the first mark, with the wind coming (and going) in patches, and from all directions, racing was sensibly abandoned for the day.

Persistent rain, and little wind, greeted the sailors on Sunday morning, and there was reluctance to launch, however, once out, there was a good breeze in the race area, and gradually the clouds parted and the sun came out. Race 3 started with a strong tide carrying the fleet over the line, and not all the premature starters went back! Andrew Clegg took the lead, with Peter Malcolm chasing. Pete managed to get past on the run by going further inshore to secure win number 3. Andrew crossed the line next, but was judged a premature starter, giving Peter Taylor second, and Robbie Lawson third. Race 4 was another good battle from start to finish with places changing between Peter Taylor, Andrew Clegg, John Evans and Pete Malcolm. Andrew looked to have taken a decisive lead, but on the final lap he allowed Pete some clear air, and with the help of a fortunate lift, he sneaked past. Despite pushing hard all the way to the line Andrew had to settle for second, with John in third. After a start that saw a raft of boats against the committee boat, and some premature starters going back, race 5 was characterised by shifts and holes in the wind resulting in significant changes in fortune during the race. Andrew Clegg and Peter Taylor pulled well clear to take first and second, and while it seemed that half the fleet had a shot at third place at some time in the race, it was John Evans who recovered well to be there at the finish. The final race was straightforward in comparison John Evans led for a lap and a half before Pete Malcolm came through on the run, and Andrew Clegg recovered from a disappointing first beat to take third.

In the end it looked a convincing win for Pete Malcolm, but it was really much closer than the results suggest and very close between Andrew Clegg in second , John Evans third and Peter Taylor fourth. Race Officer John Robertson made the most of very difficult conditions, and as usual Dalgety Bay SCs organisation was excellent. Particular thanks to the launch assistants, who were on hand at the slipway to help with trolleys at the start and end of each day.

Full Results

Final Results

Sailed: 6  Discards: 1