Light winds plague Day 2 of North Island Optimist Championships

by Angus Haslett on 16 Nov 2013 Day 2 of the North Island Optimist Champs dawned grey and overcast with a light drizzle and no wind.

As the morning progressed the rain set in and any chance of wind disappeared so PRO Gerald Martin made a great call and postponed racing for three hours. By 1.00pm the sky had lightened and a light westerly breeze was enough for both the Open and Green Fleet to be sent out. The conditions were very light and the sea state choppy making the sailing a real challenge and it was the Australians who led the way with some excellent results.

Otto Henry from Sydney leads the regatta from fellow countryman Alexander Higgins both who have a comfortable lead over the next best sailor, Kiwi, Scott McKenzie (KYC) in third. From here on in the next 10 places are very close and it will be a challenge for all sailors tomorrow as light winds once again are predicted. The Open Fleet will be split into Gold and Silver for the finals tomorrow.

The Green Fleet had a great start to their regatta and made the most of the light conditions by getting three races in, overnight leaders are Henry Angus (Kohi) in first followed by Matthew Ross (Glendowie) and Jack Gulloty (Mareatai).