The Laser Radial final Qualifier of 2004 was held at Whitstable YC in a perfect 13 knots from the north-east and a short chop this weekend. After the previous all or nothing winds for the last two events it was great to get some decent racing in. Saturday was cancelled due to no wind, but three races on Sunday gave an equitable result, and fair conditions for those aiming for the RYA Squads.

The first race saw Richard Valentine judge the tide best to get a great start and led the fleet up the beat. However, Jon Emmett worked left and took the advantage which he held to the finish. Valentine was not so lucky and filled his boat on the final run to drop him down to ninth, giving Dyfrig Mon the runner up spot from John Beatty.

The second race was a repeat performance, with Emmett and Valentine working left and Emmett rounding the top mark first and then defending his position, whilst Valentine struggled downwind. Ben Paton who was runner up at the nationals made his mark and scored a second after a disappointing first race. Evan Scott slotted into third position.

With the event already won, the battle was now on for second. For the third time Emmett and Valentine led the left but it was the right that paid which left these two buried. Paton and Europe sailor Andrea Brewster came from the right with a massive lead. Paton continued to pull away from the fleet with Brewster just staying in touch. Emmett finally pulled through to third on the last leg.

Over 200 sailors took part in the National Rankings series, Emmett remains top, despite an inconsistent performance, scoring three wins. John Booth on the other hand put together an amazingly consistent series in second. Third place (as he was at the nationals) is Matt Findley who has had an excellent year. Other event winners are Steve Cockerill and Paul Cox.

Results

1st Jon Emmett Weir Wood SC 2pts

2nd Ben Paton Lymington SC 3pts

3rd Dyfrig Mon Red Wharf Bay SC 6 pts

4th John Beatty East Down 7pts

5th Evan Scott Grafham 8pts

1st Boy under 16 Evan Scott

1st Girl under 16 Melissa Addy

1st Boy under 19 Dyfrig Mon

1st Lady (and girl under 19) Alison Young

1st Master Ian Rawet

Overall Series

1st Jon Emmett Weir Wood 10pts

2nd John Booth Red Wharf Bay 33pts

3rd Matt Findley Weston 43pts

4th Evan Scott Grafham 57pts

5th John Beatty East Downs 61pts