707 National Championship at Port Edgar Yacht Club - Day 1
by Lewis Smith 16 Aug 2024 06:32 BST
15-18 August 2024
707 Nationals at Port Edgar Day 1 © Stewart Brewing
The 707 National Championship got off to a roaring start on a wet and punchy Thursday afternoon in Scotland.
The fleet clocked its first three races of the championship in Inverkeithing Bay, a short sail east of Port Edgar Marina under the three famous Firth of Forth bridges.
Chris Banner's Mad Dog was the standout performer of the day logging 1, 1, 6 in today's races and sitting proudly overnight in first place with a six-point lead to Tsunami II in second.
Banner said: "The conditions today suited us. We like the breeze - so yeah, a very good day.
"We always try to be consistent and sail the averages and not push any stupid calls or decisions. We'll probably just try and do the same tomorrow."
When asked how the Welsh weapons will celebrate their win tonight, Chris said: "Overnight leader, you have to have a beer. Can't sit in the corner with a coke."
Elsewhere in the fleet, three university teams have had the joy of battling it out in close quarters on the racetrack thanks to support from the 707 Class Association.
Glasgow, Dundee and Leeds University Sailing Clubs all utilise the 707 events calendar as a key offering in their university sailing programmes.
Izzy O'Farrell, Commodore of Glasgow University Sailing Club and part of today's runner-up university team said: "We're trying to get into a bit more of the yachting events, we're quite a dinghy dominated."
"The 707 racing is open to all of our club members and anyone can sign up for a weekend."
After racing, Port Edgar Yacht Club hosted all competitors in the evening with a hog roast dinner and drinks supplied by event sponsor Stewart Brewing.
For more information visit the event website at peyc.org.uk/event/707-uk-national-championships