Miracle National Championship 2023 at Brixham Yacht Club - Day 5

Miracle Nationals at Brixham day 5 © Brian Jones

Day 5 of the Miracle Nationals saw an ambitious three races planned in to account for the race that wasn't able to be held due to lack of wind on Tuesday. The forecast was due for wind from the east with plenty of breeze.

Race 6 started in breezy conditions. There were some different faces at the front today with Baabii'o Flowers and Thomas Semmens taking first place. Graham Watts and Helen Jacks took a tumble at the first gybe mark which saw them washed down the fleet. Jon and Jess Willars were able to secure second place in the heavy breeze, with Ian and Ella Fryett claiming third.

By Race 7, the waves had built into a reasonably sized, but somewhat confused swell. The fleet failed to get away on the first go, with a general recall. The Race Officer restarted the sequence with a U-flag, which kept the fleet much more disciplined. Baabii'o Flowers and Thomas Semmens took another bullet, with Ian and Ella Fryett in second and Carolynn and Nick Smith in third.

Race 8 was less breezy but the swell was much the same, making it tricky to keep the wind in the sails. This saw a change in the front runners. Father and daughter duo, Simon and Vivienne Turnbull took their first win of the series, and despite leading a good portion of the race, Graham Watts and Helen Jacks managed to hold on to take second place. Ian and Ella Fryett took another third place.

Leading into the last day of the Nationals, Ian and Ella Fryett are on top of the series, with Baabii'o Flowers and Thomas Semmens in second, with Jon and Jess Willars in third.

Results after day 5: (Other categories at www.brixhamyachtclub.com/page/race-results)