Cadet Australian Open Regatta - Day 3

After frustrating days of little or no wind, today promised a decent breeze and competitors launched in a stiff off shore breeze, but a spectacular thunderstorm across the gulf resulted in another race in light fickle winds. Racing was dominated by Australians, with British Boat Gnat sailed by Ben Stone and Theo Bull pulling up to third and Harry Harris and Jessica Quinlan finishing 5th. A second race was abandoned with ben Stone in a clear lead from Clair McCartney and Lucy Shepherd from Tasmania sailing Shimmer.

After a break ashore when some strong winds delayed sailing the fleet relaunched at late in the afternoon, and after 2 general recalls got away to a clean start on the black flag. Sam Brearey and Chris Videlo sailing the borrowed Australian boat Capricious led from Hamish Stone and Jenny Sudell in Drop Bears, with Australians 9524 and 5502 in 3rd and 4th. Hamish took Sam on the final run to win, ther was some place changing on the final beat, Sam Brearey and Chris Videlo finished 2nd and Katherine Kimber pulled through to 5th to give her the overall lead overnight.

The final results of the regatta will depend on how many races can be sailed tomorrow morning, and whether a race can be discarded. There are a number of boats looking for the opportunity to discard a poor result.