Lasers – Go Racing

By Tony Ellison – November 2019

It had been 15 years since I had been seriously dinghy racing most weekends. Mostly I sailed in a Comet, which is a bit like a Laser that has shrunk in the wash, and is sheeted from the stern. Compared to sailing on the Deben, the gravel pit where my previous club was located now seems like a child playing in puddles! For a few years I travelled to open meetings which was a great way to get confidence in different waters, sometimes even on the sea!

Work brought me to Martlesham Heath, and having worked for Bob Whitehouse for many years, I knew all about WSC already. However I still needed to get acquainted with a new boat, new waters and I made many mistakes in the process. To start with it was quite hard when based in the top park as there is seldom anyone to tag on to and ask questions like, ‘Is there a system to remember where the marks are?’ And ‘Where is mark B anyway?’

My first races suffered from either rigging failures or just being so far behind I could not work out where to go next. I was frustrated, but it was good frustration, the sort that must be beaten. The Laser fleet and Clive the fleet captain came to my rescue in many ways to help get me a space in the dinghy park and they answered many of my questions. I can also recommend the Start Racing sessions to provide much to think about during the next race and to refine a few skills. Each great tip decreased the gap between myself and the rest of the fleet until racing was much more enjoyable. I have been a member now for two years and regularly sail Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. I am also getting to know other members a lot better. The volunteer duties are another good way of meeting and getting to know people.

WSC has a competitive reputation locally. However the fun is in that duel fought in the fleet (anywhere in the fleet) once you have picked up the basics. I hope this article provides some help to people contemplating joining us in the Laser fleet, whether young and old.