Great day of yachting on Day 2 for Starling Nationals
by Zoe Hawkins 21 Apr 2021 09:53 BST
Starling National Championships 2021 © Josh McCormack
With racing abandoned on Day 1, the fleet needed Day 2 to provide compelling, challenging racing in the Barfoot & Thompson Starling National Championships. It did not disappoint, providing enough
pressure to make the racing fast-paced and exciting, but not so much that it presented overwhelming challenges.
Some early front runners have stood out on the points table: Josh Hyde of Wakatere Boating Club has established a clear lead on points after four races, with two first and two seconds to his name. Jack Parr of New Plymouth Yacht Club is in second and Luka Ropers of Kohimarama Yacht club in third. Daniella Woolridge of Wakatere Boating Club is top girl.
Racing got underway in 12-13 knots from the North East, but the Race Officers had a weather eye on the forecast, knowing that it would build to the 20s with steep waves. Four races were sailed in each flight to complete the qualifying series.
“The top sailors certainly reveled in the conditions and there were very few breakages,” says Starling Class spokeperson Jonathan Gravit. “A number of younger sailors found the conditions tough and discretion was the better part of valour, with a third of the fleet not completing the day’s sailing and opting to go home instead.”
“It was a great day for yachting,” he says. “There were plenty of capsizes but the sea-kindly nature of the Starling meant they could right their boats quickly and carry on.”
Four more races are scheduled for tomorrow and four on Thursday, leaving ample opportunity for the early lead to change.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is significantly lighter than it was today, and could be changeable – meaning that the leads established today could also easily change.
The final two days will see the fleet race in Gold and Silver fleets, with four races planned each day.
The Barfoot & Thompson Starling Nationals 2021 are hosted by Kohimarama Yacht Club and run from 18-22 April 2021. Details and early results tables are at www.kyc.org.nz