Day Two of the Noelex 25 National Championship

by Sail-World Correspondent on 28 Jan 2011 In stark contrast to yesterday, the second day of the Noelex 25 National Championship, hosted by Napier Sailing Club, provided a steady 12 to 15 knot sea breeze that ensured good close racing.

With tomorrow's forecast suggesting a stormy southwest change, four races today ensured a completed series and Lake Rotoiti's Que Sera Sera, skippered by Derek Dunbar, has extended its overnight lead to seven points, putting it in the box seat. Meanwhile, four boats separated by three points prove the quality of the racing so far and it's little wonder considering the talent, including a world champion and several national champions in various classes.

Charging into second place today is Tamaki's Craig Coulam on father Barry's local boat, Mykonos. Coulam is a veteran of the Noelex 25 Champion of Champions series that boasted names such as Dickson, Butterworth, Harrap and Holdt. Sailing four-up in the fresh breeze, Mykonos took three wins and a second to climb up from ninth, but is just one point ahead of Gisborne's Citrine, which in contrast is only two-up, with the classy Peter Millar and Kevin Shanks.

Local hero Barry Finlayson has Blueprint sharing fourth place with Lyttelton's Outnumbered, skippered by Bob Coultas, one of two South Island boats in the competition.

Other notable mentions are crews new to nationals racing, Wellington's Big Brumus, skippered by Nikki Jonhson and Napier's Cest La Vie, skippered by Duncan Watson, both doing very well. Even local stalwart Paul Redman is admittedly chuffed to have Sheet Music holding its own in such esteemed company.

Fingers are crossed tonight for more sailing tomorrow. Full results on www.napiersailingclub.org.nz