Noble Marine Allen RS100 Nationals at Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Day 3

Preparations for Day 3 started with a hearty meal of home cooked food on Friday night for the Chew Team chez Smart, although after a short term illness struck 2 of the diners there was a suspicion that Smart was trying to take out the Chew boats ahead of him.

Back in the bay, the wind returned to the South, averaging 15 knots. That meant that exiting the harbour provided the first challenge, but the wind settled down out on the course. Eplett launched, peeped out of the harbour and decided not today, thank you.

Noble Marine Allen RS100 Nationals Day 3 - photo © Tania Hutchings / 50 North Photography

The comment from the Irish contingent was that the water's nice and warm!

Race 7 saw the fleet a bit too eager to get going with everyone vying for the committee boat end. The second start under U flag saw better behaviour with most of the fleet going left, although 'I'm going the other way' Smart went right and by the windward mark Powell led the fleet with Smart second, but such heights were not to last. There was lots of places to be gained downwind by spotting a good gust, and there were many out there. By the end, the normal suspects were at the front with Wakefield coming through for the win with Powell second and Jolliffe third showing that his earlier season form hadn't completely deserted him. Steve Jones was fourth to at least remind the Netley Team that Team Chew had turned up.

Race 8 saw the biggest gusts at 25 knots aka Force Huw! Steve Jones was so excited by his fourth he was OCS and had to do the turn of shame to restart. Powell was in his element, taking the bullet from Ross and Wakefield, with Smart fourth to continue showing a Team Chew presence.

Noble Marine Allen RS100 Nationals Day 3 - photo © Tania Hutchings / 50 North Photography

Race 9 saw Bridgen go early for the turn of shame, with the fleet generally tacking when their bodies said they needed a short rest! Ross came through for the bullet, with Wakefield second, Powell third with Jolliffe completing a Netley sweep.

The last day will be interesting with Powell having a meagre 2 point lead over Wakefield, but with worse discards, with Ross in hot pursuit and able to win if the results go his way.

Results after Day 3: