Three Races On Day Five

Day 5 brought wind at last starting with a South-easterly 8 to 9 knots, this was forecast to veer to SW later in the day. With the PRO intending to get 3 races in during the day all 81 competitors and the all the Club boats were out on the course early.

Everything looked promising with the first race away on schedule. The Black Flag was flying from the first start and only one boat was disqualified. Nick CRAIG (GBR) led all the way but after some position changing second and third places went to Thomas HANSSON-MILD (SWE) and Bart BOMANS (BEL). Reigning World Champion Nitin MONGIA lost places right on the finishing line when he had to take a 720° penalty for an infringement.

The second race of the day was dogged by a wind which, when the PRO started setting up the line, was 140° and finally settled into 210° at 8 knots for a start 3 hours later – most frustrating for competitors and management team alike. Seven boats suffered penalty under the Black Flag rule. Jim HUNT (GBR) led at the first windward mark and held this place to the end.

By the start of the third race (at 1730) the wind had settled to 260° with 12 knots, all competitors had a clear start. The Kiwis seemed to come into their own in the stronger winds although Andy RUSHWORTH of Christchurch SC (compensating for his Black Flag in the second race) showed them that the Brits could also sail in these conditions as also did the Germans.

So ended a very long day for everyone with competitors sailing back into Parkstone after 7.30p.m. to be greeted at the slipway with very welcoming “hot dogs” and a beer.

Full results are available on the website at the address below.

Overall Top Ten