Australian B14 National Championships at Woollahra Sailing Club - Day 3

Day 3 of the B14 Australian Nationals © Malcom McAully & Sophie Hunt

Day three was looking light from early on and conditions were lightened even further by the overnight showers. Close racing was again apparent with varied heat winners.

Race 6: The first race of the day commenced in about 10 – 15 knots. The fleet split at the start, but only Scott Cunningham (and his soon to be wife), gained any real advantage. The remainder of the race was a mad attempt to pull Scotty back – but to no avail. In the last spinnaker run, the chase team came to the last finish line in crush (Bang Bang, Blown Seal, OMFB, Octopussy).

The Nudes finished in 13th place after being OCS – either that, or they were crashed into by the 'safety boat' driven by Quentin (as was experience by Blown Seal during the invitation race.

This race was notable for one very important reason – it was the first occasion that Laino and Woodley have beaten Banger in a B14 (although they usually beat him at most other pursuits). Get used to it Banger – that mainsail of yours is a dud.

Race 7: The weather in Race 7 was pretty much the same as the earlier race but perhaps with a little more pressure. Aside from having excellent boat speed, Rick Plain and Alice Walker played the shifts brilliantly (without a compass – how do you do that?).

Gerry Brown and 'Leaky' were also in good form and managed to hang with the leaders for the entire race.

Between races 6 & 7, Robby Hunt and Dave McAully (The Hitcher) consumed an extravagant smorgasbord on the boat, including sandwiches, bananas, caviar and a litre of Merlot. Their daddies had packed the picnic lunch with much love and affection, but the Merlot may have to be withdrawn during future events. In any event, last seen drifting rudderless in the middle of the harbour with 'Big Dave' asleep on the deck.

Race 8: Starting late in the afternoon at a time when most sailors more inclined to drink to beer than take another lap of the harbour. The late hour was compounded by a general recall caused by usual suspects at the start boat end of the line (Banger will be able to identify them for you). Starting in reasonable winds, the race finished as a 'drifter' with some competitors struggling to finish in the allotted time. Although the course can seem like a lottery, the same winners keep emerging. The Nudes excelled in the tricky conditions (Richy even shaved down for today's race for a weight advantage). They were followed home by Banger, Andre and Scott Cunningham. Rick Plain and Alice Walker racked up good points again with what proved to be a very consistent performance over the three races. Kelvin Boyle could be heard whining over the horn of the Manly Ferry. Apparently he was aggrieved about other boats sailing faster than him in light weather.

All in all, it was a pleasurable day for all and to the writer's knowledge it was a 'stay upright' day for the entire fleet. Tomorrows conditions are looking to improve and get a little more steady with North Easterly winds forecast at 10 to 15 knots in the afternoon.

Results after day 3: