Brit boats to the fore

After a shifty second day of racing at the B14 Australian Nationals

Day 2 started in a prevailing northerly in 15-20 knots with an expected afternoon sea breeze.

Race 2: Sailed in a steady pressure although shifts meant big gains or losses were there to be made. After numerous changes to the lead, AUS Toxic (Dave Lorimer / Raf Heale) came out on top from GBR Seavolution (Mark Barnes / Pete Nicholson) , GBR Hyde sails (Alan Davis / Toby Barsley-Dale), AUS Last Gasp (Chris Bibby / Scott Cunningham) and AUS Bonework (Rhys Bancroft / Joey Randell).

Race 3: Started with a northerly 10 knot breeze and was all going well for two and a half laps when the race was abandoned just as the leaders were starting the last downwind and had the finish in their sights, due to a 180 degree windshift.

Race 3 re-sailed: The course was re-laid and sailed in a dying five knot southeasterly sea breeze, which was shortened at the last windward mark. After two and a half laps, GBR Seavolution took line honours. GBR Team Gill (Nick Craig / Mark Johnson) just got ahead of AUS The Nude (Richie Reynolds / Lissa McMillan) followed by AUS Pigs Arse (Nick Richardson / Alan Nicholas), GBR MJF/North (Dave Hayes / Sean Dwyer) and AUS Sly Bone (Guy Bancroft/Nick Darlow).

The race officers had their hands full with two starts abandoned due to wind changes and a general recall, an abandoned race and the final race needed to be shortened to stay within the time limit. After yesterdays carnage, the rescue crews had an easier day and could watch the racing.

Last night the fleet received a warm welcome by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Welcome drinks and a BBQ were enjoyed by all. The friendly fleet all joined in to celebrate the hapless calamities suffered by some sailors as they explained their exploits during the days sailing, in their “five minutes of fame”