Squib Nationals at Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club - Day 2

Two great races were held on the second day of the Squib Nationals 2014, which was sponsored by Hyde Sails. It was a stunning day's racing for the 48 boat elite fleet. The 15 knot sea breeze blew consistently for the whole day, making for a fantastic test of skill for each and all of the competitors.

The first race was held with an ebb tide which should have held the fleet back from the start line, But, a large number the fleet were 'on the course side', so a general recall was called. The second attempt was made under a black flag which put discipline on the fleet. With a strong tide running, it paid to head off on port tack towards the Norfolk shore where the waves were not hindering the boats progress. Three South Caernarvonshire boats led half the fleet towards the shore and it was Brian Holland and Bryan Sargent in Dream on who led from David Best and Mark Thompson in Crossfire and Alan Johnson and David Garlick in Cariad Bach. This race was held on Course No. 3 which consisted of three beats, two triangles and one sausage in choppy conditions.

Founders Trophy Results:

1st Brian Holland and Bryan Sargent, Dream On
2nd David Best and Mark Thompson, Crossfire
3rd Alan Johnson and David Garlick, Cariad Bach

This race was followed immediately by the second race of the day and third race of the series in sparkling racing conditions, and the same 15 knot sea breeze from the south east. The sea had become somewhat choppier which was to be significant for the competitors.

The second attempt to start the race was under a black flag, and at the last minute before the start a large bunch of boats near the Committee flagship broke the line which resulted in Nos. 72, 92, 108, 800, 828, 830 and 855 being sent home for being 'on the course side' at the start. Course 2, the windward-leeward race option was selected by Veronica Falat the OOD.

The race succeeded in getting away on the third attempt. In an attempt to remain conservative at the start, many of the top competitors found themselves boxed in at the start line including Ric O'Shea. Nigel and Jack Grogan in Helmut Schoing II reveled in the conditions. The tide having changed in direction after the first lap of the first race, the preferred option was to head out to the sand banks. Nigel rounded the windward mark followed by the host club's Owen Delany and Tony Holman in Firebird who worked hard at surfing on the downwind leg and took the lead. However in their excitement they left the starboard end of the leeward gate on the wrong hand. Realizing their mistake, they went back around the port leeward gate mark, leaving the Grogans to lead the field. All the competitors really enjoyed the surfing on each of the downwind legs with 1.5m waves which lifted the Squibs like dinghies.

Results of Race 3 for The Abersoch Trophy:

1st Nigel and Jack Grogan, Helmut Schoing II (Royal Corinthian Yacht Club)
2nd Alan Johnston and David Garlick, Cariad Bach (South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club)
3rd Martin Harrison and Sarah Everitt, Hussar (The Royal Victoria Yacht Club)

Racing continues tomorrow with one race for The Royal Corinthian Challenge Plate at 12.40hrs.

Results after Day 1:

www.squibnationals2014.com