In this issue

 Topper open and Laser Open at the end of the month

The Topper open seems to have found a good spot at the end of the month. For the last few years, both major opens are held at the end of May. This year, the Topper open is on Saturday 30th May while the Laser open follows on Sunday 31st May.

There will be no club racing on that weekend but don't stay away! Borrow a Topper, pick up a Laser and show the visitors that Lancing SC isn't short of talent! Even if those two classes are not your thing, help is always welcome. See Nick Muggridge for the Topper open and David Trout for the Laser open. Thanks in advance!

Notices of race are available in the Racing page.

 New series this month

It never fails to amaze me that, a mere 4 weeks after the start of the season, it's all systems go with big series starting and plenty of boats on the water.

The mild weather in April and early May has encouraged many members to check out if their boat was still waterproof. More recently, some boats underwent thorough testings with repeat capsizes (you didn't know it was deliberate, didn't you?).

In April, everybody is making sure they're not too cold but in May, it's serious business. We're competing over three series this month.

On Sunday mornings, it's the long AM Class Handicap that will take us, with a break, until the end of September. Early results are very tight at the top but duties, holidays and weather conditions will soon change the order! See results in the Results page on this website.

Sunday afternoons until the end of the month are dedicated to the Spring PM series. In the fast fleet, with 2 more races to go, Gary is quite likely to lose his precarious lead over Pete and Karen, as he is Race Officer on 10th May. In the Laser fleet, Matt Carter is slightly ahead of the game, but perhaps not enough if he misses a race. The Topper fleet has been out only once and Jennifer is leading the board. Keep going, Jenn!

Finally, the Wednesday series has started quite confidentially on 6th May. Despite our best wishes, a steady force 5 with gusts at 6 prevented us from racing for the first time this season. Still, one lost race doesn't make a season and the bar was open, there was good company and we'll get the fish and chips going next week, I'm sure. See you then!

 Topper and Laser leagues up to 24th May

Both leagues are regularly updated in the Results page, with a breakdown of points for each helm. Click on the graph to view the details. In the Topper league, helms in blue are competing for the Topper Novice Trophy.

 Training days coming soon

This month, the club is going to start the events planned in the training calendar detailed in the Training page.
First of all, David Trout will lead the Lasers on Saturday 16th May and practice going upwind and tacking. The return journey, with going downwind and gybing, is planned for 13th June. For more details, please ask David on 01273 441704 or see him at the club.

Gavin our training officer has secured the help of top Topper coach Mark Heather who will come to help our fast-growing Topper fleet on Saturday 23rd May. With one week to go before the Lancing Topper Open, it seems to be the ideal time to come and learn the moves. More info from Gavin at the club or by email on training@lancingsc.org.uk.

 Photos of Easter Monday

There's a new gallery on the website with photos I took from the kayak on Easter Monday. Great to see so many boats competing on the water! The light was a bit dim for the first race but the sun came out for the second race, with interesting clouds over the land.
See the Easter Monday photo gallery on this website.

 Great evening with the Pie & Mash

On 25th April, Sue and John Taylor together with David and Anne Trout welcomed us for the first social event of the season. The theme 'Pie and Mash' was rather restrictive as we had much more than that! It was a very tasty three-course meal with live entertainment. David had brought his home-made guitar and played a selection of classical tunes as well as classic rock tracks. He's a very talented man, our Laser fleet captain...
A great big thank you to Sue and John, and Anne and David for an excellent evening.

Sarah our social secretary is asking for a volunteer to cook the barbecue at the Topper open on 30th May. She has offered to do all the shopping beforehand but, with two tiny babies to look after, she can't cook on the day. If you have a bit of time, please contact Sarah on socialsec@lancingsc.org.uk or see her at the club. Thanks!

 Jim Powell, fast!

He's done it! He's been training really hard, lost plenty of weight and gained plenty of muscles and he was off! On 26th April, Jim took 3 hours, 35 minutes and 40 seconds to complete the 26 miles. Unfortunately, his determination took its toll on his legs and he's hopping on crutches for the moment. We all wish Jim a quick recovery and hope to see him soon. Tremendous effort!