Wind abates

More modest conditions for day two of the F18 UK Nationals

After the windy conditions of Friday, Saturday was almost windless in comparison with between 5 and 9 knots. But the racing was good and close, with the tidal changes in Poole bay keeping everyone on their toes.

The race officer did well and managed four good length races in the light winds.

Race one was lead from start to finish by David White who was the fastest man on the planet in his new Infusion, second was John Payne and in 3rd Hugh Styles. The race was a tidally dominated race and those who got the first beat right, got a good step up on the rest of the fleet.

By race two the tide had eased, but the fleet got over excited and a general recall was signalled. Hugh Styles lead for two laps until David White sailed a storming run and moved into the lead which he held until the finish, with Styles a close 2nd and in 3rd John Payne.

By race three the wind had increased, at the first mark Styles and Toby Orpin were battling for the lead and tussled all the way round. It went all the way down to the line, with Toby Orpin winning through, Styles in second and in third Grant Piggott.

By the start of the fourth and final race of the day the tide had really "kicked in" in the opposite direction which made a massive difference to the tactics. This time it was a case of going left into the tide and then play the shifts. The fleet were lead off the line by Styles and they worked the left side upwind and rounded nicely in first and extended through to the finish. Grant Piggott sailed a great last beat to move into second, with John Payne in third.

A good day, but everyone is looking forward to more wind tomorrow.

Overall results at the end of day two are:
1st Hugh Styles & Ferdinand Van West (Nacra Infusion)
2nd Grant Piggott & Andrew Sinclair (Nacra Infusion)
3rd Adam Piggott & Guy Filmore (Nacra Infusion)
4th David White & Jon Sweet (Nacra Infusion)
5th John Payne & Matt Hunt (Shockwave)