Trying day

Constantly shifting wind conditions may see race four of the B14 Worlds not be counted

Day 3 of the B14 World Championships was an interesting one. With almost constantly changing wind conditions and occasional strong squalls of up to 30 knots laying a course let alone starting a race was almost impossible.

Race 4 started in next to no wind with huge shifts. After much place changing, Simon Morgan/Drew Latham (AUS) hit hard right on the last beat to lead by 400m followed by Team Gill (Nick Craig/Matt Johnson -GBR) and The Plumbers (Ian & Dave Cunningham - AUS). With huge shifts, the race officer justifiably abandoned albeit inconsistent with other race decisions.

Race 4 re-started in similar conditions with boats from the pin end planning reaching to the windward mark while those at the committee boat were becalmed. The race got exciting when a 20 knot squall came through so with only two laps it was over quickly!

Pigs Arse (Nick Richardson/Alan Nicholas (AUS)) re-ignited their championship hopes with a win from Aviva (Simon Morgan/Drew Latham (AUS)) and heavy air specialists Last Gasp (Chris Bibby/Scott Cunningham (AUS)). Event leader Sly Bone (Guy Bancroft/Nick Darlow (AUS)) fought back to 25th, but he’ll of course be most pleased that his son has taken first place at the top of the leaderboard.

The race is subject to protest which will be heard this evening, which could see the race discounted.

With all to play for, and the Ashes up for grabs, the fleet will be heading out for the next showdown at 1100 hours tomorrow morning.

PRO Nick Hutton, will potentially be tested to the limits as has been the case today where the fleet have experienced all types of conditions, bar hail and snow. With two high pressure systems coming through we may yet get the dreamt of southerly burner prior to conclusion of the series.

Lead overall results after four races

1 AUS Rhys Bancroft/Joey Randell 23 points
2 AUS Nick Richardson/Alan Nicholas 25
3 GBR Mark Barnes/Pete Nicholas 26½
4 AUS Dave Lorimer/Raf Heale 27
5 GBR Mark Watts/George Morris 31
6 GBR Nick Craig/Matt Johnson 32.5