#flyingfifteen – In a second day of Mediterranean conditions at Weymouth, the Flying Fifteen fleet enjoyed another day of sunshine and high temperatures. Winds were again light SW, around 6 kts in the first race, and down to 5kts in the second, but another two good races were achieved to keep the Championship well on course.
Leading contenders hoped to manage a couple of good or goodish results, but some took a tumble in the second race in tricky conditions.
The first race appeared to go more to the form book. Day 1 leaders Mike Hart and Jeremy Davy took their first win of the Championship in the first race. Simon Kneller/ Dave Lucas took second, with Alan Bax/James Grant climbing well into third place. But to take this race, Hart had to pull off a dramatic recovery after being stuck in the 20s at the first windward mark, subsequently taking many places on the first run to commence his fightback.
Flying Fifteens come in all ages and construction types, and Stephen and David Crosbie showed what an old wooden example can do, driving the oldest boat in the fleet to a mid teens placing round the first mark, and holding very well to finish mid fleet.
In the second race, a new face appeared at the front as Justin Waples and Jamie Waterhouse sailed into the lead. But by the end of the second beat, Richard Lovering/ Matt Alvaredo seized the initiative, carving out a comfortable lead, which they held to the end of the race, which was shortened to a two and half lap course.
Thus all four races so far have had different winners, underlining the competitive nature of the fleet. Lovering was followed home by Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans, with Ian Cadwallader/ Dave Sweet making their first visit to the top three. The second race had shaken the dice, with some leading contenders taking a plunge, but the first discard has now kicked in, keeping most of the leaders in contention.
Overall, Mike Hart/Jeremy Davy retain the lead, but Richard Lovering/ Matt Alvarado accelerated into second place overall. Just as on Day 1, that second place is shared three ways, with plenty of other contenders poised close to the leaders. Tomorrow more wind is expected, which will allow contenders to enjoy some exciting sailing as well as the tactical battles seen so far.
Results
Race 3
1. Mike Hart/ Jeremy Davy, Hayling Island
2. Simon Kneller/ Dave Lucas, Grafham Water
3. Alan Bax/ James Grant, Hayling Island
Race 4
1. Richard Lovering/ Matt Alvaredo, Hayling Island
2. Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans, Royal Windermere YC
3. Ian Cadwallader/ Dave Sweet, Chew Valley Lake SC.
Positions overall after four races, after one discard
1. Hart/ Davy, 8pts
2. Lovering/ Alvarado, Kneller/ Lucas, Goacher/ Evans all on 10pts.
