Sonata Nationals 2023, sponsored by Axent Workwear, at Parkstone Yacht Club - Day 2

Sonatas Nationals at Parkstone Day 2 © Sarah Hornby

Sonatas Nationals at Parkstone Day 2 - Frankie the Rhino wins the day © Sarah Hornby

There was optimism in the air in the morning as steadier winds and no rain were forecast for the day. The wind settled to 220° with a two lap windward / leeward course laid for a 10:30 start.

The fleet got away cleanly on the first start under a U flag with 8032 Minim first off the line. No side was favoured as the fleet sailed in a 12-15 knot breeze. 8028 Aquila, helmed by Nick Holt was first to the windward mark, with 8238 Nancy, helmed by Richard Bowers and 8053 Duette in hot pursuit. On the second lap Joe Cross in Duette, currently leading the championship, had a comfortable lead on the rest of the fleet. At the finish the chasing group of three crossed the finish line with 8032 Minim second, 8238 Nancy third and 8028 Aquila fourth.

The start sequence for Race 4 commenced at 11:35, but it took 3 general recalls under the U flag, the pin end danbuoy moved and the black flag used before the race got under way at 12:05. Unfortunately, there were two casualties, 8238 Nancy and 8186 Off Quay who recorded BFDs. Duette was first to the windward mark; the majority chose to round the port gate mark, Duette still in the lead but 8199 Frankie The Rhino, helmed by Tony Woods was chasing hard. On the final run down to the finish Frankie was holding onto a slim lead, Minim, Duette and Aquila unable to catch Frankie on the short leg to the finish.

Race 5, the final race of the day, was a round-the-cans course, using race marks in Poole Bay. The configuration was a triangle followed by a windward / leeward; a mark RIB drove towards each mark's location thus removing the advantage of local knowledge. The start was a sedate affair with most of the fleet tacking early onto port. Most overstood East Hook buoy as a strong ebb was flowing. A close reach under spinnaker brought the fleet swiftly to the gybe mark, Stoneways. There were no mishaps as the fleet made an orderly rounding before heading inshore to the Rig Shop buoy. There was little water between the leading boats on the final windward leg with 8426 Joey, helmed by Willian Smyth, first to round. Unfortunately, he could not hang onto his lead as Frankie increased the distance between his first place and those behind.

The team of Frankie the Rhino were pleased with their results today, lifting them to 2nd overall. Tony attributed his success to the occasional shifts he spotted, aiding his approaches to the windward marks.

Results after Day 2: (five races)