Round 2 of the Crewsaver-sponsored Millennium series was held at Langstone SC over the weekend 23-24 June. A total of 14 boats, including some welcome newcomers to the 2000 fleet, turned out for a superb weekend of glorious sunshine, friendly racing and some enjoyable socialising

The three races each day utilised a windward/leeward course. A strong south-easterly breeze on Saturday with numerous twists, together with a gentle tide, was sufficiently taxing for the experienced helmsmen without being too daunting for those less certain of their racing skills.

The lighter southerly sea breeze on Sunday, probably assisted by the apres race discussions on Saturday evening, made for some close racing in the middle and back of the fleet, but made the leaders work for their positions. As the weekend progressed, the racing got much closer, a general recall in race five proving the point when half of the fleet were deemed to be over the line.

Races five and six also saw all of the fleet at the windward mark within a few seconds of each other.

Skip and Zoe Atkins were the most consistent over the weekend with four firsts and two seconds. Zoe, a diminutive 12, is the secret weapon in this team! Ian and Andrew Frogley came second after struggling in the first two races on Saturday. They were followed closely by John and Jenny Fletcher (Langstone SC) who made the most of their local knowledge to edge Trevor and Caroline Bradley, winners at Weymouth last month, into fourth place.

Further down the fleet, newcomers Emma Newell and Richard Payne and Sally Tarrant and David Allen had some close tussles. Tarrant’s quick tack onto starboard close to the finish of race five wasn’t quite enough to stop Newell passing in front on port to take the point. The regatta saw a total of four female helmsmen, a record for the fleet so far.

Following an excellent tea back at the club, the prizes donated by Crewsaver were presented by James Tinkler of the Laser Centre. The Laser 2000 season now moves to Oxford on July 14-15.

Overall Results

1st 2022, Skip and Zoe Atkins (Stone SC)

2nd 2280, Ian and Andrew Frogley (Thorney Island SC)

3rd 2166, Jenny and John Fletcher (Langstone SC)

4th 2573, Trevor and Caroline Bradley (Littleton SC)

5th 2049, Tony and Anne Okotie (Carsington SC)

6th 2085, Paul and Lindsay Williams (Huddersfield SC)