As Day 2 of the 420 Nationals at Howth Yacht Club dawned to a dull grey sky and little wind the prospect of a first gun at 10:25 looked slim. But by 9:30 as the race committee boat headed out to the race area a gentle breeze had started to build.
By the start of racing a modest 8knt breeze had settled in and for a brief period in race 3 the wind crept above 13 knots allowing the race committee to permit pumping, rocking and ooching by flying flag “O”. At this wind speeds the 420s start to come into their element and began to plane upwind.
In total four races were sailed on Day 2, one ahead of the schedule for the event. The crews were back on land in good time despite the race officer having to reset the course between each race to account for oscillations in the wind.
The GBR combination of Colquitt/Coles had a perfect day with four bullets. With clean starts in all races the GBR team got to the windward mark first and with several Irish boats distracted by a battle for positions behind they were able to comfortably keep the pack behind them thereafter.
Bar some calamity Colquitt/Coles should be able to steer their way towards the Irish 420 Open Championship title with two races remaining and a score of 6 points. Battling it out behind them for the title of Irish Champion are Grace O’Beirne/Kathy Kelly of the Royal St. George on 13 points and Gemma Mc Dowell/Emma Gallagher Gallagher on 17 points of Malahide Yacht Club. Tied on 24 points each, fourth overall and third Irish boat, are Micheal O’Suilleabhan/Rob Keal of Kinsale Yacht Club and Morgan Lyttle/Patrick White of the Royal St. George Yacht Club and Lough Ree Yacht Club respectively.
