Sekonda RS Feva Nationals at the WPNSA - Day 2

Light and unstable winds enable only one race on day two of the Sekonda RS Feva nationals in Weymouth © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com

Light and unstable winds enable only one race on day two of the Sekonda RS Feva nationals in Weymouth © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com

Day 2 started with a light Sout-East gradient breeze which died as the sailors came to the start area. The fleet were sent home after waiting for an hour but at 4pm the gradient returned & the fleet returned to do battle.

Getting back in the groove must have been really difficult. The breeze might have returned but it was still fairly unstable. The Gold fleet were off first followed 5 mins later by the Silver. Both fleets used the same windward/leeward course so the Silver fleet was chasing hard!

Owen Bowerman & Charlie Darling were in scintilating form and picked the right shift and windlanes through the maze to take the early lead in the two lap race. Will Acres and Ed Bowman weren't letting them get away whilst a confident performance by Ruth & Tess Allan got them there in third. The overnight leaders were all looking glum at this point. Tim Gratton & Chris Taylor were approx 8th, Debbie and Tom Darling were just behind & Will Lowes and Hugo Tucker mid teens.

Minor position changing went on from then on to bring the overnight leaders closer to the end that matters but still not close enough. Poor Ruth & Tess Allan sailed brilliantly until a random hole developed around them. They tried all the right things but no amount of changing gears was enough to make up for zero wind. Eilidh McIntyre & Vikki Payne had nailed the start and kept in competitive position throughout.

The final run is where it all happened. Debbie & Tom Darling engaged in battle with Tim Gratton & Chris Taylor. Only one result possible there as no-one roll gybes better than Tim & Chris. That turned into a potential championship winning run with the boys coming through from 6th to win again. Owen Bowerman & Charlie Darling came a comfortable second even within range of having a shot at the winners. Very maturely though they forewent a shot at creating a potential right of way incident and first place for a guaranteed 2nd. Third were Niall Houston & Syd Maclean in a brilliant effort. 4th were Debbie and Tom Darling whilst Cathy Lear and Francine Counsell came 5th. The other overnight podium placed boat with Will Lowes and Hugo Tucker managed to recover to 8th just behind Hugo Jones-Warner and James Poyner.

So going into the last day it is Tim & Chris with a good but not secure lead over Debbie & Tom with Owen & Charlie third. Fourth are Cathy & Francine with Will & Hugo 5th.

Certainly that was one of the most tiring days in a very long time. Not the physical effort of course but the sun, the concentration, the relaxing, the water fights, the getting a race head back on, etc. There are a lot of very tired bunnies around here tonight but whilst I'd expect most to take an early night they are all curerntly at the BBQ next to the hangar and inside the hangar racing the cars again.

The live tracking is providing such a giggle for parents and reports are in from viewers on the web from France, Spain, Canada and all parts of the UK. The Sekonda Nationals are set for a grand finale tomorrow with a possible 4 races on the water. Oh, and yes, there is no truth in the rumour that the race today was shortened because the BBQ was ready - honest, the wind was dropping again...

Results after Day 2:

Gold Fleet

Silver Fleet