707 National Championship at Port Edgar Yacht Club - Day 3
by Lewis Smith 17 Aug 2024 20:43 BST
15-18 August 2024
707 Nationals at Port Edgar Day 3 © Lewis Smith
Four races close the gaps on penultimate day
After two days of 20 knot winds, ever so slightly calmer conditions allowed four races to be sailed on day three of the 707 National Championship at Port Edgar Yacht Club.
The more manageable conditions brought the fleet closer - with many places being hard-fought all the way to the line.
A standout performer of the day was Kenny Watson's, Monarch, who have nudged themselves up the leaderboard after two convincing bullets in Inverkeithing Bay.
Helmsman Kenny said: "Great day. The secret to that was getting off the start line quick and making sure we had clear lanes."
The Dundonian joiner went on to say: "The starts got us out of the fleet and made sure we could pick up the wind shifts and drive the boat on."
He was quick to nod to the tough conditions that had been experienced in previous days: "We've done quite a lot of broaches this event, which we managed not to do today which was a success."
Another great performer was former Olympian, Dave Kitchen, and his team sailing Turbulence.
The South African helm said: "It was a great day sailing. Yesterday was really full-on breeze, today was much more manageable."
Commenting on his team's second place, the best result for Turbulence at this event, Kitchen said: "The racing was great. I think it's like everything else, you do your best and some races are better than others."
Dave raced for his nation in the Flying Dutchman Class at the Barcelona Games in 1992. He was humble, but went on to tell us about his experience at the Olympics: "You go to a regatta like an Olympic Games and it's not the same as a world championship."
"You've got people in the Olympic village doing different sports, the whole camaraderie experience was quite exceptional."
The active Finn sailor had some great advice for any youngsters aspiring to go to an Olympics: "The important thing is not to be shy to ask. Don't be shy to ask questions."
"People that have got the experience actually are really willing to help."
Elsewhere, the battle for top university boat is still alive. However, Leeds University sit atop sailing the 707 class association boat, Poimandres.
The Team's helm, Guy Bishop, said: "I think we've extended our lead on the other uni boats. We had a really close race between us and Glasgow. It's been going well."
After a superb set of races, Seaword's Andy Marshall was quick to radio and thank the race committee on behalf of the fleet.
The championship sits two races behind schedule with one more day to go. Tsunami II lead going into the final day with Seaword a close second.
Following a lengthy evening for the protest committee and teams getting comfortable in the protest room, the Saturday night was cause for get together.
Port Edgar Yacht Club supported a superb three course meal for competitors at Outboard by Scotts, a local restaurant in the Marina.
For more information visit the event website at peyc.org.uk/event/707-uk-national-championships