420 Nationals at Pwllheli Sailing Club – Day 3

Four races were sailing at Pwllheli on Wednesday. The wind was 10-12 knots from the west at the beginning of the day and dropped to around 6 knots by the last race. With the discard having been applied after the completion of race 6, the leaders are starting to emerge.

Race 4

Early mornings seem to suit Ben Saxton/Claire Lasko who won the first race ahead of Matt Rainback/Simon Foskett who bounced back from their disappointing race 3. Imogen Stanley/Joe Williams (both experienced 420 sailors, but sailing together for the first time at this event), finished in third ahead of Phil Sparks/Ben Gratton.

Race 5

The leaders had a close battle with Sparks/Gratton taking the line honours ahead of Saxton/Lasko. Kate Macgregor/Tom Hodkinson took third with James and Will Rusden in fourth. A number of boats got caught out with the black-flag including Rainback/Foskett and Amy Seabright/Katrina Brewer.

Race 6

Race 6 saw a reversal of fortunes, with Saxton/Lasko winning ahead of Sparks/Gratton. Peter Irwin/David Kohler finished in third ahead of Rainback/Foskett to keep the pressure on the leaders. Rusden/Rusden pick up a back-flag, but fortunately the discard now applies which leaves them in third overall.

Race 7

The wind went light for the last race of the day. Sparks/Gratton made the most of the conditions to finish first ahead of American sailors Jordan Factor/Charles Peck. Rusden/Rusden kept in touch with the leaders finishing in third with Sarah and Catherine Alton in fourth.

Results after Day 3: (top six, 7 races, 1 discard)