Allen Flying Fifteen Nationals at Largs Sailing Club - Day 1
by Alan Henderson 20 Jul 2012 22:19 BST
20-23 July 2012
Flying Fifteen nationals at Largs day 1 © Alan Henderson /
www.fotoboat.com
Apthorp snatches it on last leg
33 Flying Fifteens came to the start line at Largs for the first day's racing of the Allen Flying Fifteen Nationals. After a short delay, a SW breeze of 9knots filled in, and the fleet was away after one general recall.
Sailing on a big course to the North of Cumbrae, competitors split left and right, but at the front at the windward mark were Robert Hogben and Glyn Morgan. Racing was tight among the top five in particular, and the race was shortened to finish after a single triangle and sausage.
The short running leg to the finish after the leeward mark gave opportunities to overtake, with some opting to gybe and clear their air. But emerging just ahead as the leading bunch crossed the line were Charles Apthorp and Jonathan Clark, having snatched the race lead three quarters of the way down this final short leg. They were followed immediately by Ireland's John Lavery/ David O'Brien, who had just launched their new boat today. Leaders for most of the race Robert Hogben/ Glyn Morgan had to settle for third.
One race was sailed today in this first day of the Allen Flying Fifteen National Championships as per schedule, but two races are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, before the Championship concludes with a single race on Monday.
Results after Day 1: (one race)
1. Charles Apthorp and Jonathan Clark (Hayling Island SC)
2. John Lavery and David O'Brien (National YC, IRL)
3. Robert Hogben and Glyn Morgan (Bewl Valley)
4. David and Sally McKee (Dovestone SC)
5. Steve Goacher and Phil Evans (Royal Windermere YC)
First Classic Fifteen, Bobby Salmond and Ingrid Magnus (Holy Loch SC)
First Silver fleet. Chris and Marion Bowen (Northampton SC)
Race winners received the Ulster Cup.
Lavery and O'Brien received sail voucher from Goacher Sails, today's race sponsor.
Full results on www.scottishsailinginstitute.com