Racing has just concluded on the fourth day of the 2011 Toyota Optimist Nationals, and with all to sail for, the top sailors could afford, and made no mistakes. Series favourite Markus Sommerville sailing for the host Club, Wakatere, strung together two wins and a third to move up three places on the leaderboard.
Series leader Leonard Takahashi-Fry sailing for nearby Murray's Bay Sailing Club was also very consistent, finishing with two seconds and a third for the day, to consolidate his lead.
In the top five overall it was a similar story - no flashy sailing, but no mistakes either. With many carrying indiscretions from the earlier races in the regatta, consistency was the best strategy.
Sailing once more in a moderate sea breeze, with the extinct, well for 650 years, volcano of Rangitoto providing some shelter, the outgoing tide was a big factor in the afternoon, as the staring vessels swung to the tide rather than the wind.
Normally such conditions create starting mayhem, with the record for a World Championship being 15 attempts at starting before the Race Officer called it a day and gave up.
But not so at the Optimists, with the Black Flag having the desired effect and the fleets were generally well back on the line.
Three races were sailed today, meaning that probably only one or two will be sailed tomorrow, ANZAC Day making for a reduced series of 12 races.
With ten races concluded, competitor are allowed a second discard race, which has taken some of the stress, but still leaves no room for error on the final day.
Conditions are likely to be similar tomorrow with today's' overcast skies expected to turn to rain.
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