Results / Littleton Mini Series Littleton - 30/01/2005

RS200 Littleton Mini series - event one 14 RS 200s turned up for the first of 4 Sundays making up the Littleton mini-series. The weather conditions were kind, with sunshine and a force 2 to 3 making sniggley close racing. The Northerly wind direction made the windward leeward courses very short as the wind ran across the lake making for more eventful racing. The first of the 3 races ran for 45 minutes under Geoff Carveth's orders. After an upwind start off the Club line Commodore Colin Dobner crewed by Sue Pinnel were first to the windward mark. However, with three national championship winners close on his tail this lead was to be short lived. Tom and Jo Hewitson, managed to get away from the pack never to be caught. Geoff Carveth, David Giles and James Stewart sailing with Lucy Matthews were caught up in a tight battle. Following a bit of a wind shift and a rather large hole, Geoff sailing with loopy Lou sniggled his way into second. Unlike myself crewed by Jane Norris close on their tails who was sucked in to the hole and spat out the back to be over taken by Ian Pickard crewed by, and under orders of his girlfriend Sarah! With the wind shifted there was a lot less place swapping, and David Giles sailing with Jane Willan finished third. Geoff Carveth arranged for the marks to be moved for race two for the new wind direction. An exceptionally first short beat allowed for a lot of entertainment at the first windward mark with most of the fleet arriving there at once. I have to note that there was a distinct lack of 720s! Rising above the chaos was again Tom and Jo who snuck away - showing that they are not five times winners of the inlands for nothing - and again led to the end. Geoff with lucy showing good form were second again. Whilst David Giles held third for most of the race. However, perhaps by divine retribution for not doing his turns at the windward mark, on the last leg his centre board caught a plastic box which acted more like a sea anchor. So third place was snatched by Ian Pickard. After two back to back races it was time for lunch. The Club canteen provided an excellent lunch and an opportunity to warm up between races was greatly appreciated by all. Race three took off in a slightly lighter winds. Those who started at the pin end of the line got a lucky left shift which benefited them over those more cautious sailors who protected the right to get starboard rights on the short first beat. The usual suspects were in the front, although Tom and Jo for the first time were not first. At the time I was unfortunately attached with what seemed like a rubber band to Commodore Dobnor from the start to the windward mark - where we became thoroughly attached when he shot the mark on port tack!!! But thank you Colin for doing your turns and letting us use the Club! Again after the events of the windward mark the race became a bit more spread out and With Giles and Jane in second and Tom and Joe took third. Overall Tom and Jo took the prize for the day provided by Rooster which was well earned having sailed more than consistently all day. Everyone enjoyed the racing and thought that the Littleton mini series was an excellent idea for some mid winter practice. There are three more events to take place on the 6 Feb, 13 and 27 Feb which are open to all RS200s and Littleton have kindly allowed visiting members to leave their boats. There are also more prizes from Yachts and Yachting, Harken, Purple Marine, Gul and holt. So please come along if you can make it. For further details see the RS class association website at http://www.rs- association.com. Sarah Allan