Cadet National Championships at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club Day 2
by Andy Shorrock 28 Aug 2013 08:25 BST
26-31 August 2013
Day two dawned overcast but with 7-8 knots of breeze, more than was forecast, allowing the fleet of almost 70 boats to launch on time with the target of completing a further 3 races.
It took two general recalls before the black flag emerged and the fleet decided to behave on the start line. Thereafter, 3 good races were completed in winds that started at 8 knots, increasing to almost 15 knots by the end of the day. The gusty and shifty North North West wind provided plenty opportunity for competitors to gain (or lose) places.
The day once again belonged to the Belgium visitors Seppe Greeve and Cedric Boven who won all 3 races, demonstrating exceptional speed and great boat handling in these mid wind conditions.
The home fleet challenge is being led by Arran Holman and Lucie Offord who scored 2, 3, 2 to lie 2nd overall followed by Lucy and Cally Terkelsen in 3rd. The sisters scored 3, 5, 4 but incurred an extra penalty for an on the water infringement.
The top 3 boats have been the most consistent and are 20 ponts clear of 4th overall, being another overseas visitor from Belgium Joris Vangeneudgen and Jan Smet. 5th overall are at the halfway stage are Alex Page and Aaron Chadwick.
In the keen competition there is some high scoring in the top 15 boats with a number of top teams struggling for consistency. Many boats are capable of achieving a top 5 finish so there are significant opportunities for a team to move up the rankings.
The competition is close in the bronze fleet which is being led by Elsa Cooney and Luke Minchin from Waldringfield who have 3 race wins.
After an excellent BBQ at the club the sailors enjoyed the friendly fun of the Abersoch beach Olympics with paddle boarding, medley races and tug of war. Somehow I don't think Mo Farah has anything to worry about just yet!
Results after Day 2: (after five races)
1st 8519, Seppe Greeve & Cedric Boven, 5pts
2nd 9753, Aaron Holman & Lucie Offord, 9pts
3rd 8352, Lucy & Cally Terkelsen, 12pts
4th 8522, Joris Vangeneugden & Jan Smet, 32pts
5th 8521, Alex Page and Aaron Chadwick, 36pts
Bronze fleet
1st 9225, Nathan Allen & Amy Allen, 3pts
Full results available at www.cadetclass.org.uk