Rooster 420 UK National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 3

420 UK Nationals at Hayling Island day 1 © Jennie Clark

With little wind forecast for the day, sailors were not surprised to see AP over 1 flown, however the forecast was optimistic and the wind started to freshen and sailing suddenly became much more of a possibility.

The fleet launched and with a good sail out to the bay. PRO Zeb Elliott was able to get them in sequence for race 7 at 13.15.

Parents on shore were scrambled to undertake an emergency repair for one boat, which had a broken jib halyard - they sailed back in and were repaired and back out again in record time allowing them to compete in the remaining races for the day.

Race seven was won by Martin and Marcus, with Freddie and Jack second and Dylan and Jack third. The PRO got the fleet turned round quickly and into race 8, which was won by Neil/Fraser, with Eleanor/Faye second and Millie/Steve third. These results were busily analysed on shore as the places at the top of the leaderboard saw some significant changes.

Race 9 was won by Oliver, with Bertie and Oscar grabbing 2nd place and Martin/Marcus in 3rd. On the shore we wondered 'will he go for another race today' quickly to be answered with 'yes' from our spy on the course. The black flag was merciless on this final start of the day, with 7 casualties including some front runners who had already been BFD'd earlier in the week and with only one discard this was a game changer. Martin and Marcus were first, Ella and Ollie banged in a great 2nd and Freddie and Jack took 3rd.

The traditional Black Tie dinner was held in the evening.

Whilst Wrigley/Tressler have a good lead throughout the rest of the fleet places are being separated by 1 or 2 points so results from our final day are going to be deciders!

Results after Day 3: