Results / Winter Championships Leigh & Lowton SC - 17/03/2012

Day One An excellent 21 competitors arrived at Lee-on-Solent Sailing Club to be greeted by a light SW, which gradually built to a pleasant (if light) sailing breeze. Steve Cockerill got an uncharacteristically poor start, allowing pretender-to-the �throne Ian Baillie to take an early lead, justifying his long drive from Scotland. He was closely followed by a trio of Stokes Bay boats, led, to his (and everyone else�s�) amazement, by Richard Pelley. Steve Cook recorded 3rd with Matt Sargent 4th. Steve C. put in a 7th, presumably getting in his discard early. After a delay for a change of course, the 2nd race started in what appeared to be a building breeze. The already biased line, coupled with an increasing tide conspired to cause a melee at the port end of the line, but those who emerged unscathed crossed the fleet on port. Inevitably, it was Cockerill, who popped out on front, whilst Ian B. got tangled with the start line and had to do a turn. Steve was able to consolidate his lead, followed by the Bolland Brothers and the Stokes Bay duo, now minus Mr Pelley, a victim at the start, who compounded his problems by rolling in on the run. Meanwhile, Ian B. was working his way through the fleet, finally finishing 2nd, to end the day as leader. Steve Cook finished 3rd again, to give 2nd overall, whilst Steve C�s 7th and 1st gave him 3rd at the end of the day. The stage is set for a titanic battle! Day 2 The 2nd day dawned with a promising force 4, giving the heavier contenders renewed hope, and indeed Will Gulliver lead around the first mark. Cockerill however made use of the reducing breeze to pass him on the run, and though they were neck and neck at the end of the 3rd beat, Cockerill held on to win with Gulliver 2nd and Ballie 3rd. In the race 4, Ballie came to the fore, leading at the first mark, but Cockerill again passed him on the reach and held on for the win, despite being hard pushed. Gulliver finished 3rd. In the final race of the day Gulliver once again led, followed by Cockerill, with Steve Bolland 3rd. the latter succumbed to the conditions, and rolled in on the run, one of several to do so, whilst Ballie worked his way up to 3rd.The now familiar situation developed, with Cockerill passing offwind to win, followed by Gulliver and Ballie. Steve Cook has been consistent behind the leaders, and the Bollands are never far away, but the standard is high through the whole fleet, and everyone has had their battles, with the slightest mistake costing places; Day 3 should be another good one! Day 3 A shifty offshore breeze, coupled with a strong tide made for difficult conditions on day 3. Various people got a nose in front, but each time Cockerill eventually passed offwind, winning each race. Ballie recorded 2, 4, 3 to stay 2nd o/all; Steve cook consolidated his 3rd overall with 4, 3, 5. Matt Sargent was 2nd in race 7, and nick Bolland 2nd in race 8. Top youth Gary Fryer had an excellent 3rd in race 6, but both Steve Bolland and Richard Pelley capsized from 3rd at some stage. Day 4 The final day brought no relief for the heavy guys, and the strong tide meant there was little scope for tactics; start well, hit the corners, and judge the lay lines was the order of the day! Cockerill won both races to win the title again, though Ballie led for a full round in the 9th, and pushed him hard to the finish, his two 2nd�s giving a deserved 2nd overall; we surely have a future champion here! Steve Cook�s 3 and 5 gave him 3rd overall, with former champ Will Gulliver 4th. Steve Bolland finally stayed upright to finish 3rd in the last race. Top youth was Gary fryer in 8th, and Richard Pelly won the silver fleet. First �A� rig was Nick Russell, and Rob Eastwood won the Masters. LOSSC provided an excellent venue, with superb race management in testing conditions; they seemed also to enjoy our presence there! Our thanks go to the whole team.