SailGP Inspire - Day 3: Barker and Batten take over the front running in RS Fevas

by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 18 Jan 14:22 GMT

Matteo Barker and Blake Batten - Day 2 - SailGP Inspire- RS Feva - Royal Akarana YC - Jan 18, 2025 © Justin Mitchell www.justinmitchell.co.nz - Instagram: @jl_mitchell_

Matteo Barker and Blake Batten (Murrays Bay SC) have taken a 4pt lead going into the final day of the RS Feva event, being held in parallel as part of SailGP Inspire's program.

Three races were sailed in an 8-12kt easterly breeze on a course just inside the entrance to the inner Waitemata Harbour.

Nathan Sopher and Lauchlan Wills (Murrays Bay SC and Howick SC) who were the overnight points leaders came unstuck in the last two races, scoring a 12th and 26th places in the 50boat fleet. They started well with a second place in the first race of the day, but couldn't maintain their momentum. Fortunately two discards are allowed, which keeps them in the hunt for the regatta win, but they don't have the luxury of more slip-ups.

Day 2 - SailGP Inspire- RS Feva - Royal Akarana YC - Jan 18, 2025 - photo © Justin Mitchell www.justinmitchell.co.nz - Instagram: @jl_mitchell_

Barker and Batten had a dominating day scoring two wins and a fourth. However even their discard races would be counters in the rest of the fleet, and they have put real pressure on their rivals.

Thomas Linklater and Harry Strang (Tauranga YPBC) remain in third overall but are now 12pts behind the series leaders.

Two female crews round out the top five overall, with Zophie Wells and Charlotte Handley (Glendowie BC/Murrays Bay SC) moving into 4th overall, after winning Race 7. They are followed by Ally Burfoot (Tauranga YPBC) and Tessa Clinton (Wakatere BC).