At the final of the three qualifiers for the British teams for this summer’s Laser 4.7 World and European Championships, held at the 2012 Olympic waters of Weymouth this last weekend, the sailors faced extremely light conditions and not until Sunday afternoon could the first race be completed.

But when the racing went underway the five-strong Guernsey team excelled and pulled together an excellent performance. In the 50-strong fleet, Johanna Asplund claimed silver spot overall and was followed by Abigail Tanguy in eighth, Poppy Rickards in 15th, Sam Crosby in 18th and Clementine Thompson in the low 20s.

On the Saturday one race was started but later abandoned as the wind died and left the sailors drifting in Portland Harbour. With the high pressure holding the British Isles in a firm grip and the forecast for the Sunday not offering much promise, the race officer was under pressure and wisely decided to change the sailing instructions allowing sailing until slightly later on Sunday afternoon.

Around lunch time on Sunday the wind eventually filled in and the first race could be started in 5-7 knots of wind. Johanna and Abigail quickly tacked off and went right on the course which proved to pay off leaving them in the top group around the windward mark.

The two continued sailing well throughout the first race to finish second and fourth respectively. The second race offered similar conditions but this time the Guernsey sailors struggled a bit in the start and had to work their way up the fleet throughout the race. Johanna eventually managed a seventh with the others not far behind.

Unfortunately, wind and time did not offer a chance for a third race and the sailors had to return to shore for packing and prize-giving. Tom Josebury claimed top spot ahead of Johanna with Anthony Parke in third. Poppy finishing 15th in only her second national Laser event received the prize for most improved sailor in the qualifying series.

Given only two races were completed the event does not count as a series, leaving the sailors with no discards in the qualifiers and mixed feelings despite the great performances. But that is the way it is at times and you can only take the conditions as they are and do your best.

We can only say well done and congratulations!