Dart 18 European Championship at Mumbles Yacht Club - Day 2

Day 2 started out with a 10 knot north westerly wind and expectations of a good day of racing were high.

Race 3: a few alterations to the start line delayed racing for about 15 minutes but the arrival of the new Mumbles RNLI offshore lifeboat gave the competitors something to watch while waiting. The first start of the day coincided with a large gust which caused all of the competitors to suddenly speed up leading to the first of what would turn out to be many general recalls. The second start went cleanly for the race committee but the jury were not so lucky as there were a number of altercations on the line with a number of boats limping back to the slip. Once underway the sailing was exhilarating as the wind picked up to 15 knots and the hulls were flying. The winners of R3 were the French boat of Theirry and Christine Wibaux.

Race 4: with the wind now at 15 knots and moving towards westerly there was a delay in starting race 4 while the course was altered. Once the AP flag came down the fleet were anxious to get started, unfortunately their over exuberance lead to 2 general recalls before the black flag came out and the start went smoothly. With a number of squalls coming across the bay the conditions were challenging and choppy. Part way through the first lap, a wind shift came in causing a change In the course of 60 degrees. The Stokes Bay team of Dave & Louise Roberts were the winners of race 4 providing us with 4 different winners in 4 races.

Isle of Sheppy sailors Dan Norman and Jenni Donovan are clinging to first place overall but with only 1 point in it, it's set to be an exciting week ahead.

dart18europeans2014.org

Results after Day 2: