707 National Championship at Port Edgar Yacht Club - Day 2
by Lewis Smith 17 Aug 2024 06:10 BST
15-18 August 2024
707 Nationals at Port Edgar Day 2 © Stewart Brewing
The 707 National Championship rolled into its second day of racing, hosted by Port Edgar Yacht Club, on the Firth of Forth.
Stiff conditions greeted the fleet for three races, but it wasn't easy. The Race Committee logged an average wind of 21 knots across the three races with gusts of up to 30 knots.
The anemometer that sits on one of the Firth of Forth bridges logged some fruity gusts, hitting up to 40 knots.
However, it was no match for today's top performer Tsunami II.
The team's helmsman, Gillies Munro, said: "Today was overall really good, we got a 1, 2, 1. However, it was super tricky conditions with huge gusts that came through across the course."
Despite a consistent day, the former British Sailing Team 49er helm went on to admit how tough a day it really was.
"The teamwork on the boat was top notch and we managed to sail very consistently, but certainly at times, we were really struggling in the breeze. Everyone had to keep their bums on the rail and hike out hard."
A team also keeping their bums on the rail was Valhalla. The team, skippered by Andrew Lawrie, stayed consistent today - but put in a superb fifth-place finish in today's final race. The team's best result in the championship so far.
Trimmer Emma Robertson said: "Yeah we're really happy, we were all quite exhausted by that point of the day - it's been hard work.
"We had a great start in the last race and just tried not to broach downwind because it was pretty wild at times. Each race is slowly getting better and better.
When asked about Emma's favourite thing about the 707 class she said: "It's very competitive, you've always got to be on the ball.
"Everyone is very welcoming and willing to help each other out. It's a great balance.
After yet another big breeze day, Port Edgar Yacht Club hosted all competitors in the evening with some Indian food following the association's annual general meeting.
For more information visit the event website at peyc.org.uk/event/707-uk-national-championships