ISail Whitsunday B14 World Championship at McCrae Yacht Club - Day 4
by Jane Moffat 6 Jan 2015 07:40 GMT
2-6 January 2015
All change at the top
Day four at the 2015 ISail Whitsundays B14 World saw the leader board change again and after eight races it's down to the wire with the top four boats all in the running to take the title.
With the course laid just of the club, today was a perfect day for spectators. Race six started in a light 6-10 knot breeze from 160 degrees and built to a 13-17 knot southerly; typical McCrae champagne sailing conditions.
Race seven provided some drama at the final gate mark. Bancroft and Imeneo AUS 793 were chasing Mark Watts and Chris Bishop GBR 791 with Watts and Bishop just in front. With some little pressure pockets hitting both boats as they approached the gate they both gybed to round the gate and head to the finish but Watts and Bishop capsized leaving Bancroft and Imeneo to take the gun.
With two bullets in the first two races of the day it looked like Bancroft and Imeneo were on a comeback trail. However as we all know nothing is that easy in sailing. The top two boats off the pin at the start of the final race led all the way with Brent Frankcombe and Leigh Dunstan AUS 375 building their lead to a third of a leg by the end. A bad first windward leg saw Bancroft and Imeneo sail over the line in sixth place and they currently sit in first overall.
Championship leaders from day three Chris Lewns and Tom Pygall GBR 761 had a disappointing day with a score line that pushed them down the leader board into third place.
With the forecast tomorrow promising more of the same all competitors will be keen to post two good races to ensure they maximise the effect of their second drop.
Just six points separate the top three boats so there is everything to play for and the World title is up for grabs.
Results for the ISail Whitsundays B14 Worlds available here.
For more images from the day go to www.sailingshots.com.au
More information at www.mccraeyc.com.au