Noble Marine RS700 National Championship at Brightlingsea Sailing Club - Day 3

Another morning dawned and the fleet were met again with mirror like conditions. So a short postponement was posted to allow the wind to come in.

We finally hit the water and the fleet had to navigate around the smack and barges which had just started their race, not your usual sight.

Race one

Another light wind start saw John Booth take the lead with his lightening upwind speed and disappear into the distance. Behind it was a lot closer for the rest of the fleet, lots of close racing and place changes. Rob Higgins took second and Richard Allen 3rd in his brand new boat. Great to see that the new boats available from RS are straight in at the pointy end.

James Clarke on day 3 of the Noble Marine RS700 Nationals at Brighlingsea - photo © William Stacey

Race two

A keen fleet saw the first recall of the week. The race officer feeling kind allowed the fleet to try again under no further restrictions. A rare bad start from series leader John allowed some of the other to enjoy the pointy end. Marek Dudak shot out the middle of the line to hold an early lead. Marek didn't quite hit hard enough left (a common theme of the week) and allowed Rob and Philip Highfield to sneak in. Rob held onto to take the win from John who had recovered incredible well to take second. Phil took third.

on day 3 of the Noble Marine RS700 Nationals at Brighlingsea - photo © William Stacey

Race three

With most of the fleet praying the race officer was going to tell us to go home the flag went up for the third race. Marek and Richie Thurlby shot out of the line and held the early advantage. John cleared his air went a bit further left, along with his speed snuck in at the top mark to take the lead. John took the win, Marek showing great speed all day took second, and Rob managing to sneak past Richie taking third.

John Booth on day 3 of the Noble Marine RS700 Nationals at Brighlingsea - photo © William Stacey

The fleet were welcomed ashore for the second day in a row by ice chilled cans of pop or booze thanks to RS Sailing. This was a great reward for the return of a tally.

The fleet enjoyed another great evening with a club home cooked dinner and plenty to drink setting us all up for hopefully a better forecast tomorrow. It's tight at the top so it's all to play for going into the final day.

Results after Day 3:

Phillip Highfield on day 3 of the Noble Marine RS700 Nationals at Brighlingsea - photo © William Stacey