PM: Equinoctial 1

Traditionally the first racing Sunday gives over the morning to scrubbing 
boat bottoms and re-visiting safety boat procedures.  Member’s bottom 
scrubbing proceeded with great gusto, whilst a large contingent of safety 
boat operatives meant that the first Equinoctial race had fewer racers than 
expected.  Having just spent a week-end Laser training, Jane Anderson 
and Bob Sampson sat motionless on the start line. This new tactic held no 
sway with Steve Axford and whilst Jane got away first his speed across 
the line gave him equal positioning. Bob meanwhile had been crafty and 
was sailing a tighter line to the first buoy and not having to tack in the 
process.  Jane Chadney in her Laser was also chasing well as was Vicki 
Duncalf in her Topper, whilst husband John seemed to get a poor start 
and languished at the back.

As the race progressed it turned into a battle of the Laser Radials with 
Bob gradually moving away from Steve Axford, whilst Jane Chadney 
was impressive in keeping her Laser 4.7 in close contact with Jane 
Andersons 4.7.  Meanwhile, the Duncalf battle of the Toppers looked a 
bit like a personal family feud with neither partner prepared to give 
quarter. Eventually Vicki beat John but only by a very narrow margin.
Bob was overall winner with Jane Anderson second, Steve demoted to 
third after handicapping came into play and Jane Chadney fourth. 
Unfortunately the wind did not favour the Topper handicap enough with 
Vicki Duncalf fifth and John Duncalf sixth.

Results: 

1st Bob Sampson (Laser Radial)
2nd Jane Anderson (Laser 4.7)
3rd Steve Axford (Laser Radial)
4th Jane Chadney (Laser 4.7)
5th Vicki Duncalf (Topper)
6th John Duncalf (Topper)