420 Australian Nationals at Fremantle Sailing Club Day 1
by Bernie Kaaks 21 Dec 2017 03:08 PST
20-23 December 2017
Pilar and Maria CABA HERNANDEZ lead the standings by a single point after three races on day 1 of the 420 Australian Nationals at Fremantle © Bernie Kaaks
On a day where the forecast sea breeze at Fremantle struggled to reach 15 knots in the gusts, European crews adapted to the conditions better than local crews to head the points score in both the yellow and blue fleets.
Principal Race Officer Kevin Wilson was happy with the first day's program.
"The breeze remained pretty constant all day so we did not have to move the course around, and there was enough pressure to get all three races completed. We had one general recall and went straight to a black to get a clean start next time."
With four boats in the top five on the first day's points table, the Spanish team has quickly established itself as the team to beat.
Elaas Aretz Queck and Pablo Garcia Cranfield were second overall, after leading the yellow fleet with seven points. "We loved the warm conditions today. It was good for us. Perhaps we will get some more wind tomorrow." It was a clear indication that the big breeze forecasts for this regatta hold no fears for this crew.
On the same course, the female crew of Aina Colom and Vicky Sisk took it right up to the male crews with a win in race two and some consistent results in the other two. They were the top female crew after the first day of sailing. "This was our first day on the water at Fremantle," Vicky was quick to point out. The diminutive pair clearly enjoyed today's breezes.
The New Zealand crew of Seb Menzies and Blake McGlashan split the Spanish dominance and are third. The best of the Australians are chris Charlwood and Josh Dawson, currently lying 11th.
Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow.
More information at www.fsc.com.au/event/201718australian420championships