Day two of the Mermaid National Championships at Wexford Harbour Boat Club delivered another intense chapter in the series as a fickle 10-knot breeze teased competitors throughout Races 3 and 4.
With conditions shifting and pressure bands scattered across the course, sailors were challenged to make the most of every puff and shift.
The day began with a false start in Race 3, leading to a general recall and the U flag being flown for the second attempt. Once the race finally got underway, it was boats 131 and 77 who locked into a fierce tactical duel, matching each other tack for tack around the course. In the end, it was 131 who managed to pull ahead and secure the win, with 77 close behind in second, and 188 rounding out the top three.
Race 4 also saw the U flag up, with two boats called over early and disqualified. As the race unfolded, 188 led at the windward mark, closely pursued by 131. However, as the wind began to fade, Race Officer Scorie Walls made the call to shorten the course after the second leeward mark. The decision came just in time, with 131 taking their second bullet of the day, followed by 188 in second and local boat 13 securing a solid third-place finish.
With the completion of four races, the leaderboard has taken shape:
- 131 Wild Wind with 4 points
- 188 Innocence with 8 points
- 102 Endeavour with 9 points
Full results below.
With four races out of the scheduled eight now complete, the next two days are still all to play for, with very close racing.
