UKGlobal 2016 Fireball Nationals at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 2

The second day of the UKGlobal 2016 Fireball Nationals at Hayling Island SC served up more of the same champagne conditions that the fleet had enjoyed on day one. It started off gentle and warm but pretty soon there was a building westerly blowing 15 - 18 knots, some funky waves and warming sunshine, just like the day before. Hayling Island is serving up a treat with their helping of sun, wind and waves. I mean, seriously, what's not to like?

The fleet were pushing their luck on the start line all day, with every race needing recalls and 2 races starting under black flags but the PRO, was patient and efficient in setting up the next sequence although a few boats got their marching orders.

The racing was furious and fun and as always in the Fireball fleet, there is always someone to race against, regardless of your ability.

The Championships is currently looking a bit like F1, in that there is a procession at the front with Gillard & Anderton being the team that everyone else is chasing down and most of the overtaking action happening further down the fleet. With 3 bullets yesterday (they are now discarding a race win!) it was left to the mere mortals to fight for the other places and fight they did.

In race 3 (the 1st of the day) the podium was completed by the usual suspects of Burge & Wagstaff in 2nd and Birrell & Townend in 3rd.

In race 4 the top spots went to Horey & Gardiner and Birrell and Townend and in race 5 it was the Swiss Euro Champion pairing of Mermod & Mosler who showed why they are European Champions with a solid second and Horey & Gardiner consolidating their overall standings with another 3rd.

The fleet reconvened fin the evening or the AGM and a new Chairman was appointed in local Fleet Captain Chris Turner after Jez White stepped down. There were prizes galore for sailors lower down the standings, courtesy of kind sponsor North, a Dork of the Day award and a prize giving that saw Richard Anderton unable to carry all the Trophies.

With more great conditions forecast for today, this is really about as good as it gets. If you didn't enjoy the sailing here at Hayling you should probably get some tennis lessons.

Results after Day 2: