420 Nationals at Pwllheli Sailing Club – Day 4

by Jan Lasko 22 Aug 2008 15:55 BST 18-22 August 2008

Three races were sailed at Pwllheli on Thursday in 6-7 knots from the west at the beginning of the day and increasing to around 9 knots by the last race. Phil Sparks/Ben Gratton relished the conditions scoring two first and a second to lead at the end of the day by four points from Ben Saxton/Claire Lasko.

Race 8

The first race of the day saw the top two boats continue their duel with Sparks/Gratton taking the win ahead of Saxton/Lasko. Peter Irwin/David Kohler took third just ahead of Rebecca Kalderon/Rosie Sibthorp who are laying claim to first ladies. James and Will Rusden continue their defence of third place by finishing in fifth.

Race 9

With Saxton back in 5th, James and Will Rusden got the bit between their teeth and showed the fleet how best to sail in these conditions finishing in first. Sparks/Gratton sensing that this was to be their day, finished in second ahead of Ben Palmer/Piers Strong. Matt Rainback/Simon Foskett finish in fourth and continue fighting for a top five finish overall.

Race 10

Sparks/Gratton continue making the most of the conditions by finishing in first with their nearest rivals in 7th. Kalderon/Sibthorp posted their best result of the event so far, finishing in second ahead of Palmer/Strong collecting his second 3rd of the day. Fourth went to Irwin/Kohler ahead or Rusden/Rusden.

With only one day and three races scheduled, Sparks/Gratton take over the lead ahead of Saxton/Lasko with Rusden/Rusden in third.

In the ladies competition, Catherine Kalderon/Rosie Sibthorp 8th (97pts), Sarah and Catherine Alton 9th(107pts), Hermione Stanley/Hannah Mitchell 11th(118pts).

Three races are scheduled for Friday in 13-15 knots of breeze.

Results after Day 4: (top 6, 10 races)

Pos	Sail No	Helm	Crew	Pts
1	GBR 53229	Phil Sparks	Ben Gratton	19
2	GBR 53303	Ben Saxton	Claire Lasko	23
3	GBR 53157	James Rusden	Will Rusden	35
4	GBR 53229	Peter Irwin	David Kohler	49
5	GBR 53232	Matt Rainback	Simon Foskett	75
6	GBR 53116	Ben Palmer	Piers Strong	78