Another day of light but tactical racing on Belfast Lough has left several Bangor Regatta titles finely balanced on Belfast Lough heading into Saturday's forecast stronger winds.
Race Officer Con Murphy completed the full programme in sunshine and a shifty 5–10-knot north-easterly, adjusting the Coastal fleet's course to 19 nautical miles to ensure a timely finish. As the breeze freshened during the race, the fleet completed the course comfortably.
In the 12-boat IRC Class 1 fleet, Rob O'Leary's J/109 Storm retained the overall lead after six races with 10 net points. John Minnis's Final Call II is second on 13 points, while Craig and Stephen Corson's Salamander has moved into third on 14.
"There is very close racing with only a few points separating the top three," O'Leary said. "Tomorrow will be interesting to see how the teams handle some big breeze and we are looking forward to it."
The Quarter Tonner Purple Haze, owned by Stuart Cranston, continues to lead IRC Class 2 on six points after winning two of Friday's three races. Hellaby Puffin remains second on eight points, with Snoopy's J third.
Quarter Battle — Quarter Tonners Victic 3, Going to Red and Snoopy's J press on under spinnaker during Bangor Regatta racing on Belfast Lough. Photo: Con Murphy
The Sigma 33 Class Championship has seen a change at the top, with James Miller's Mayrise taking the overnight lead on 10 points after posting three race wins on Friday. White Lightning is second on 11 points, while day-one leader Squawk slips to third on 16.
Sigma Showdown — The Sigma 33 fleet races in light north-easterly winds on day two of Bangor Regatta. James Miller's Mayrise took over the championship lead after six races. Photo: Con Murphy
The Coastal IRC fleet has also changed leaders. Shaun Douglas's Beneteau 40.7 Game Changer now heads the standings on three points after winning Friday's coastal race, ahead of Xaviera and Minnie the Minx, tied on eight points. Thursday leader Endeavour drops to fourth.
Coastal Charge — Murray Findlay's Xaviera races in the Coastal IRC fleet during day two of Bangor Regatta, where Game Changer moved into the overall lead. Photo: Con Murphy
Game Changer also leads the Coastal YTC standings, while Johnnie Phillips's Playtime continues to head the Coastal YTC Restricted Sail class after two races.
Fleet Ahead — Johnnie Phillips' Playtime leads the Coastal YTC Restricted Sail fleet during day two of Bangor Regatta on Belfast Lough. The Elan 333 retained the overnight lead after two races. Photo: Con Murphy
Phillips praised both the racing and the host club.
"We have had two fantastic races on Belfast Lough in challenging conditions and with very close competition," he said. "The three visiting boats from Dún Laoghaire topped the fleet on the water in today's race. The Royal Ulster Yacht Club has been incredibly welcoming and friendly, as have the people in Bangor in general."
With stronger winds forecast for Saturday, several class titles remain wide open as Bangor Regatta enters its penultimate day.
