Black Rock Yacht Club Xmas Regatta - Day 2
by Daniel Vaughan 30 Dec 2021 20:57 NZDT
28 December 2021 - 2 January 2022
Black Rock Yacht Club Xmas Regatta © Black Rock Yacht Club
It was once again a glorious day for International 14 sailing, starting in 10-15 knots and flat water it was a tight battle up to the top mark with all boats in close proximity, Roger Blasse / Andrew Gilligan once again rounded first followed closely by Lindsay Irwin / Andrew Perry and Anthony Anderson / Daniel Vaughan. A few spinnaker issues for Anthony Anderson created a great tacking duel downwind between Ben strong / Daniel Farthing until Ben capsized through a gybe, likely due to a lack of time in the boat due to Covid restrictions.
The breeze lightened up for the 2nd lap allowing Anthony Anderson to catch up to the two lead boats with all 3 boats finishing closely and Roger Blasse / Andrew Gilligan taking their 2nd victory.
The breeze freshened for the 2nd race starting in 15 knots, once again all boats were in close contact and powering up the breeze, must have been a great sight for the spectators. This time around it was Lindsay Irwin rounding first followed by Roger Blasse then Anthony Anderson, spinnaker issues seemed to be the drama for the day for Anthony Anderson allowing Chris Vaughan / Matt Balmer to pass them downwind. The sea breeze started filling in for the 2nd work to the top mark and the sea state was already growing, by the time the boats rounded the top mark the wind was reaching 20 knots making the downhill rides very entertaining.
Lindsay Irwin / Andrew Perry brought it home to take their first win for the series followed closely by Roger Blasse / Andrew Gilligan, Anthony Anderson / Daniel Vaughan couldn't quite pull off the last gybe to the finish and dropped from 3rd to 6th, well done to Stewart Vickery / James Patterson for keeping the boat upright and moving from 6th to 3rd with a few boats enjoying the warm waters a little too much.
It is looking like a very light and variable day for the last day of racing, but the sun is out and what could be better than sitting around on an i14 with your best mates.