MDMS 2018 R3 Report & Results.

The Midland Marblehead skippers travelled to Leicestershire RYC for round 3 of this year’s series, and below is a short race report form Bill G and Colin W, along with race and series results.

“This is written unashamedly from an RM virgin’s point of view. I’ve sailed vane M’s and given up because they made my legs hurt, but Oh did I enjoy them so when an RM came available in chance conversation. I thought “go on, you’ve always fancied one, now’s your chance” so I did. Then I thought “what have you done”. I should have known better because after today’s Midland District RM series event at Leicestershire, I’m hooked. The radio versions are just as quick as their free sailing partners and just as exciting. 8 of us all together from clubs all over the central Midlands and Alf Reynolds from Chelmsford who made a very long trek just to join in. The weather was glorious, blue skies, a bit of a fitful breeze but certainly enough to keep things going. We all know that Leicestershire’s lake is, shall we say, tricky but that added to the event. Picking the shifts, being on the right side of them, getting it right, and wrong is all part of an event here, you just have to take your punishment, shrug it off and crack on, try not to do it again. We sailed long courses, triangle and sausage and got in 12 races during the day. We took breaks every three races and that was very necessary if only to take on board more fluids. Graham Whalley, or should I say Mr Consistency was always at the top end of the fleet and came out the winner, I, to my absolute amazement came second and Colin Walton came third. So, what’s next, we are going to do it all over again only this time on 19^th August at Manor Park. I’m really looking forward to that. See you there,” Bill Green.

It was a great day for everyone. Bill had his brand-new M and is completely smitten. Alf brought his camouflaged Paradox. Very much a Starkers day. Andy S feels he needs more practice but that is just the class not turning around buoys so well.

Graham W was back on form. Rob W had his ‘B’ suit on so gave us all a chance. Massive wind shifts in the middle of the lake as the yachts passed through from port to starboard up to 3 times in a straight line. Keighley, the Midlands are coming home!? Must remember to bring the pole next time, as it is hard to get off the bank without it.

Sailing as it is meant to be. Look how many won a race and how often the race order changed part way through. Colin Walton.

The round 3 results are here: MDMS 2018 R3 Leicestershire RYC

The overall MDMS without discards are here: MDMCS 2018 Series Results after R3