Hartley Boats Supernova National Championship at Paignton Sailing Club - Day 2
by Chris Hawley 1 Jul 2023 16:24 BST
30 June - 2 July 2023
After a tiring day one at the Hartley Boats Supernova National Championships, the slightly stronger breeze of day two was going to push the fleet with four races planned.
After a fruity sail out to the sailing area, the day started with our first line start of the Championships. It was a clear start and a challenging race with nearly endless beats and flat out reaches. Alex Hagan Collins showed us what he was made of and delivered his first bullet of the event. Gavin Young second and Sam Knight third.
Race 2 was a carbon copy, although without Sam Knight (gear failure). There were plenty of capsizes in the lumpy and gusty conditions, including Alistair Goodwin on the final gybe mark. Cliff Milliner found race mode and took the second race win. Gavin second again, Matt third.
The third race saw a gate start, led out by the ever smiling Mike Critchley. Cliff took another bullet in the very physical conditions. Sam second then Gavin third. Special credit to Sean Ricketts who achieved a cracking 4th place.
In the end the fleet were getting exhausted and the race officer decided to end the day a race early in the increasing wind. A welcome decision given the length beat back to the club.
The results have just 1 point from 1st (Sam) to 3rd (Cliff) with Alistair tied with Cliff. Gavin leading the charge of the following fleet in 4th.
With a slightly lighter wind forecast for tomorrow, it is all to play for!
Results after Day 1 can be found here (PDF format)