Nine Lasers entered the first Laser Open for many years at Rotherham Sailing Club on Sunday 1st September; it was a sunny day with a westerly wind.
Olli Thompson arrived first at the windward mark, but rounded it the wrong way Matt Chambers was first to round correctly. By the end of the first lap Matt was followed by Abi Cooper sailing a Radial, and her father Chris, returning to a Laser, in fourth. By the second lap Olli had worked up to third. Chris, Jane Morton also in a Radial, and Mel Moore were close together at the leeward mark. By the fourth lap Abi and Olli were battling for second; eventually Olli pulled away. After nine laps, the finishing order was Matt followed by Olli and Abi, with Abi finishing second on handicap.
After an excellent lunch, the wind had increased with some sharp gusts and shifts. Three boats death rolled on the second downwind leg, and the rescue boat was kept busy throughout the race as everyone capsized at least once. Olli lead from the first mark, followed by Abi, with Matt third. Matt retired with gear failure and only Olli, Abi and Chris finished the race, with Abi winning on handicap.
For the last race, the wind had eased, but only Abi, Matt and Olli started, Matt having to sail with his Radial rig. Abi lead from the start, followed by Olli and Matt. Abi capsized on the fourth lap but recovered quickly enough to maintain her lead from Ollie and then Matt.
The overall results were first Abi Cooper, Matt Chambers second (on count back) with Olli Thompson third