RS Elite National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Day 2

RS Elite National Championship day 2 © Peter Hickson Photography

Day two (Friday 23rd July) of the RS Elite National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club was a much windier affair than day one.

After three races in a mainly easterly breeze that varied from 15 to 22 knots, Russell Peters, crewed by Zeb Elliott and James Grant in RS Elite 20 Riff Raff, took the series lead with five points overall after winning all three races. Day one's leaders Tom Hewitson, crewed by Colin smith and Jo Hewitson in RS Elite 7 Shaken not Stirred, are now lying second with eight points overall.

Ossie Stewart and crew (Tom Stewart and Alice Masterman) sailing RS Elite 67 More T Vicar, are now third with 15 points and Roddy Bowerman and crew (Owen Bowerman and Madge Watkins) sailing RS Elite 40 Basil were able to discard an OCS score from day one to move into fourth place with a score of 20 points. Class chairman Paul Fisk crewed by Richard Tucker and Pippa Jubb in RS Elite 110 Noughty Legs Eleven remain in fifth place also with a score of 20 points, but just beaten by Basil on countback.

For day two's three races, the conditions were much windier than day one. The 15-22 knot breeze, mainly easterly with a gradual shift towards the south, stirred up a short chop in Hayling Bay that made for some lively sailing for the competitors and gave the race team in the committee boat an uncomfortable ride. The impeccable race management was much appreciated by the competitors with courses that responded to the shifts in the wind. A significant shift at the start of the second race was met with a last-minute postponement and reset of the line with minimal delay to proceedings.

Looking forward to day three, the weather forecast is for lighter winds following a stormy night. As usual in the RS Elite fleet the competition among the leaders is close and nothing can be taken for granted. The championship is still wide open.

Results after Day 2: