Stacey Clark of Burghfield SC, crewed by his daughter Hayley, was convincing winner of Dell Quay SC’s 2005 Laser 2000 open meeting on 8 May.

In a predominantly westerly wind shifting violently in strength and direction, 12 boats competed, with visitors from Chichester YC, Burghfield and Netley SC joining the five home boats.

The Clarks were soon into the lead in race one. Behind, though, there was some place changing, as Chris and Tim Fuller (Netley) and then John and Pauline Cox (CYC) edged ahead of Roger and Julianne Millett (also CYC).

Race two was sailed in the strongest conditions – though the gusts didn’t quite reach the forecast Force 5. A big shift just before the start almost forced a last-minute postponement, but fortunately reverted to give a fair beat.

Again the Clarks headed the fleet, this time closely challenged by the Coxes, who edged in front only to lose out when their rivals chose the better shifts. Fellow CYC members Rob and Ian Payne were third.

With overall victory assured, Hayley Clark took the helm for the final race, which was a much closer affair, with the rest of the prize positions wide open. The Coxes were boxed out at the start, and sailed much of the first beat in last place. Then they turned on the power and rapidly overtook boat after boat to take a clear lead.

In the close bunch behind, the Paynes were doing well, but on the crucial final close reach flew their gennaker. Warwick and Ben Hoddy (Dell Quay SC) chose not to, sailed higher and nipped round the mark to cross the line second. Weed also hindered the Paynes’ progress, and both the Clarks and the Fullers also slipped through. Their win gave the Coxes second overall, with the Fullers and Hoddys tying on points for third, with the tie-break working in the Fullers’ favour. The Paynes’ consistency – no place lower than fifth – could give them only fifth place, however.

Overall Results

1st Stacey and Hayley Clarke, Burghfield SC, 2pts

2nd John and Pauline Cox, Chichester YC, 3pts

3rd Chris and Tim Fuller, Netley SC, 6pts

4th Warwick and Ben Hoddy, Dell Quay SC, 6pts

5th Robert and Ian Payne, Chichester YC, 8pts

6th Roger and Julianne Millett, Chichester YC, 12pts