Osborne leads on Day 1 of Baltic Lifejackets NZ Women’s Keelboat Nats
by Melanie Benton, RNZYS on 28 Apr 2012
Racing in the Baltic Lifejackets National Womens Keelboat Championships RNZYS Media
It has been a tough day on the water, at the Baltic Lifejackets NZ Women’s Keelboat Nationals, for these intrepid sailors with forecast winds of 19 – 25 knots blowing a steady 23 knots on average and gusting 28knots at times.
Principle Race Officer Celia Carson said 'it really was sailing on the edge in these wind conditions for this racing. It has been a tough day on the water; the wind kept trying to go left but would then swing back.'
Sam Osborne has been sailing a consistent regatta so far, keeping well ahead in the points race. With only one win Sam will have to keep on top of her game tomorrow to ensure she retains first place and puts her name on the trophy.
The Bucklands Beach Yacht Club entry of Joy Adams and crew has been sailing all summer in the MRX boats during the RNZYS Tuesday Series and their hard work is paying off with second place today. Their experience will be hard to beat and they certainly are well worth watching.
Gillian Williams, who with Husband Nathan owns a Young 88, Slipstream III, has really come out of the starting blocks with 2 wins and a second. Unfortunately after the first race Gillian had a bit of boat trouble which put her out for the next two races. Gillian definitely has her eye on the trophy.
Two teams have come from Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club to compete. Holly Farmer and Rhonda Ritche. Holly has sat in the middle of the fleet with 22 points today re-learning the boats. Holly competed last year and placed seventh overall.
Danielle Bowater, who was second last year, is slightly behind on 23 points, but again is keeping her nose clean and has placed consistently all day.
Melinda Henshaw, Claire Johnson and Rhonda Ritchie cannot at this stage be written off having competed in this regatta last year and having fantastic crews who all want a crack at the title.
Tomorrow’s forecast is for light winds in the morning building in the afternoon to 20 knots. Let’s hope it is correct!
Skipper Race 1 2 3 4 5 Points Place
Sam Osborne 2 1 2 3 3 11 1
Joy Adams 3 5 3 2 1 14 2
Gillian Williams 1 dnf dns 1 2 22 3
Holly Farmer 4 3 4 6 5 22 4
Danielle Bowater 5 4 6 4 4 23 5
Melinda Henshaw 7 2 1 dnf 7 26 6
Claire Johnson 6 6 5 5 dnc 31 7
Rhonda Ritchie 8 7 7 7 6 35 8
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