Fireball UK Nationals and Open Championship at Rock Sailing and Water Ski Club - Day 3
by Adam Whitehouse 24 Jul 05:58 NZST
20-23 July 2024
Fireball UK Nationals and Open Championship at Rock © Malcolm Lewin /
www.malcolmlewinphotography.zenfolio.com/sail
With another three races planned for the day to catch up from Saturday's abandonment the fleet took to the ocean in a much breezier conditions than day 2 a steady force 4 with chop on top of long yawning Atlantic waves.
Race 4
First a line start for the day with a recall and then off at the second time of asking. The first beat saw the fleet split evenly each side with the right paying big time as Mike Deane and Richard B picked up pressure and height on their starboard lay line and shot into an early lead by some margin at the windward mark.
Vince and Rob briefly took the lead from Mike up the next beat with Tom and Shandy snatching it from them almost immediately as they worked up the left side of the beat. Oli and Vyv also eventually passed them to take second with the twins Anthony and James Willcocks taking third.
Race 5
It felt like the breeze had eased slightly as a number of teams changed their settings ready for the first gate start of the day.
Vince and Rob took a healthy lead at the windward mark and held it for two laps eventually being passed by Tom and Shandy who worked lower and faster on the first section of the reach. Georgia and Oli D came through in third adding another podium to their impressive results so far.
Race 6
For the third race of the day the breeze came back up again Oli and Vyv did a Mike Dean and hit the right side of the first beat taking a good lead into the first mark, however they were passed by Tom and Shandy on the second reach who worked underneath with some good pressure.
Oli and Vyv eventually dropped to fifth after hitting the spacer mark and having to do turns. Another great win for Tom with Dave Hall and Paul Constable coming through into second and Georgia and Oli third.
Two races scheduled for day 4 - 10am start so no leisurely breakfasts this Tuesday!
The UK Fireball Association would like to thank their championship sponsors North Sails, P&B and Wessex Resins.