34th Nacra Nationals, Day 2 - Strong winds set total carnage

by Nacra Australia on 1 Jan 2013 After the blown out conditions on day 1, competitors were put to race in conditions at the upper limit of the 22knot class wind limit. With the south-easterly wind coming off the shore, gusts were furious causing carnage throughout all divisions. Numerous capsizes ensured capsize club drinks were flowing well into the evening. There were also shredded sails, collisions and one 5.8 lost its rig after losing the forestay tang from the starboard bow.

Four races were held over the day with two back to back morning races and two back to back afternoon races. Leading the Nacra F18 Infusion class is Mick Guinea with two firsts, a second and a fourth, followed by Mal Richardson with a first, a third, a fourth and a sixth with Dale Mitchell in third with two seconds, a third and a seventh.

In the Nacra 5.8s, Scott Sandilands is dominating with four firsts. Shane Russell is second with three seconds and a third and defending champions Matt Caldwell and Bruce Potter are placed third with a second two thirds and a fifth.

Racing in the Nacra 16sq has been tight even with a mix between the new square top and original pin-head mainsails. Leading by two points is Geoff Horsley with two firsts, a second and a third from Jared Potter with two firsts, a second and a fifth. In third place is current Queensland champion Corey Holden with a third, two fourths and a fifth.

The Nacra 4.5s are being dominated by Richard Cullum with four firsts. Second is Phil Robins with three seconds and fifth, while Karl Brazier is placed third with three thirds and a seventh.

Racing continues on Wednesday with Tuesday a lay day. After the next race a drop will come into place, which is sure to tighten results in all fleets given the carnage the conditions have created.