2014 Toyota Optimist Nationals- Leaders unchanged after Day 2
by Angus Haslett on 19 Apr 2014
Scott McKenzie, 2013 North Island Optimist Champion, is leading after Day 2 of the 2014 Nationals Angus Haslett
Day 2 of the Toyota National Championship got off to a great start with a huge pod of dolphins putting on a magnificent display just off Manly Beach for the 160 sailors from four countries in the Open fleet and 112 first year sailors in the Green fleet.
With PRO Harold Bennett calling the shots, sailors left the beach and racing started right on time.
The wind steadily built and turned more towards the west throughout the day, reaching 18knots with the odd shower of rain. Once again Race Officer, John Parrish on the Open fleet made the most of the breeze and with shifts and averages of 10-15knots. He managed to get all three flights away with no general recalls, nine races in total.
The top sailors showed consistency with Scott McKenzie (Kohimaramara YC) sailing in the Yellow fleet, holding onto first place, with two wins and a third from the three races sailed. He leads by 1pt from the Blue fleet's Lewis Anderson (KYC) and Red fleet's Sam Bacon (Worser Bay) third, with some close and exciting racing in between. The discard placing has now been allowed in the Open fleet and points have tightened as a result.
The national title however remains wide open after two days with close contact within the top 10.
Kim Admore delivered another memorable day to the Green fleet sailors, with two races sailed. Samuel Charles (French Bay) leads the fleet with Blake McGlashan (Murrays Bay SC) in second place and Seb Menzies (MBSC) in third. Menzies won two races today with the fleet being severely tested with a major squall moving through..
PRO Harold Bennett has done a great job keeping the regatta on schedule as the sailors head into Day 3, which is the last qualifying day for the Open Fleet.
For full results for all fleets
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