Laser Nationals - More tricky conditions on Day 4

by Jane Moffat on 2 Jan 2014 On day four of the Laser National Championships 2014 the Laser sailors faced another day of shifty conditions, a light 15 knot breeze, providing some mixed results.

Queenslander Madison Kennedy scored a ninth and a 29 in the two races of the day, leaving her 19 overall. Manami Doi (JPN) is currently the leading female in the Radial fleet third overall just four points behind Alistair Young (WA).

Doi prefers the light winds commenting 'it was shifty today but I like the light conditions'. Coming over from Japan specifically for the Nationals Doi is chasing a podium finish and is currently on track to achieve this.

In the 4.7 fleet Hamish Wiltshire (NT) and Jack Graves (VIC) are separated by just two points at the top of the table. Natsumi Ando (JPN) is currently the leading female but there is a battle further back between Zoe Thomson (WA), Carissa Bridge (QLD) Charlotte Llewelyn (VIC).

Thomson is on 96 points with Bridge and Llewelyn both on 106 points. All three have very similar goals for this regatta 'top 10 overall and first female'. Thomson has recovered from a bad start to the regatta on day one scoring a 24 and being black flagged. 'I’ve focused on climbing back up through the fleet' said Thomson, her results are testament to this posting an eighth and 10 today.

'It was a tough day on the water, shifty conditions and cold water' Queenslander Bridge commented. 'I have been recovering from injury for the last six months so this is my first big regatta of the year'. Finishing 14 in the second race of the day has placed Bridge ahead of Llewelyn but on the same points.

The battle will continue next week as all three will be competing in the 2014 OAMPS Australian Youth Championships and are all looking for podium finishes. Llewelyn may have the edge given she is a Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club members so has the home advantage.

The rivalry only occurs on the water with Llewelyn commenting, 'It’s good to catch up with everybody from interstate'.

The Radials are split into the Gold and Silver fleets from tomorrow for the start of the finals series.

With four more races to go and a 20 – 25 knot Westerley forecast for tomorrow afternoon there is still plenty to play for as we get to the pointy end of the championships.