For the fourth instalment of the RS400 Winter Series on Belfast Lough the mood in the Royal North of Ireland boat park was less than cheery. Spells of rain and glassy conditions that morning led most sailors to believe that no racing would occur. This was reflected by only 13 boats on the start line. Not disheartened by the weather, the race committee and mark layers wasted no time in getting the RIBs launched, and the course was laid.
As boats lined up for the first race, a slight left shift gave an advantage to boats down at the pin end. This led to a clean but chaotic start as boats desperately tried to tack off onto port.
No one boat pulled away on this leg which led to a congested leeward mark as both sides of the course showed no major favouritism. In the end, there were a few new faces in the top three. Line honours went to the consistent Peter Kennedy and Stephen Kane, followed by Paul & Adam Robinson in second and third went to the Newtownards team of Adam Torrens and Daniel Nelson.
The second race saw Kennedy/Kane took the top spot after jumping eight places by going to the left on one of the downwind. This was followed by Alex Smallwood and Emily Hill, who had an outstanding day in Jocelyn Hill’s boat. Then came the Purdon/Hayes crew, who were overtaken cleanly at the last gate mark. Other notable mentions in this race were RS Elite sailors Michael Browne and Jane Buchanan.
Purdon/Hayes took the final race win after fending off Kennedy/Kane.
The fifth day of the series continues next Sunday.
RS400 Winter Series Day Four Results
