Australian 470 Championships - Belcher and Ryan extend lead
by Brian Case on 22 Feb 2014
Will Ryan and Mathew Belcher Craig Heydon
With day two of the Australian 470 Championships lost to high winds, day three started with light drizzle and 15-20 knot offshore breezes.
Apart from the un-flattering weather, at least that meant flat water so rigs were tweaked for speed while thermals and full well gear were donned.
With three races scheduled, sailors were keen to get going and a clear start was made setting a trend for the day pleasing RO Peter Taylor.
After being challenged early, Matt Belcher and Will Ryan worked their way to the front and allowed the close tussles to go on behind them.
Having a great day was Alexander and Patrick Conway with a 2,7,2 moving them up to second overall just one point in front of Angus Galloway and Tim Hannah.
Japanese entrants Doi Kazuto/ Imamura Kimihiko sit in forth place just a few points back.
The team of Lucy Shephard and Emma Barton got nicely in the grove today holding off their female counterparts and now leads the women's division showing great downwind speed.
Another three races are scheduled for tomorrow and 18 420's join the 470's on the course for their State Championships.
Competitor quotes:
Tim Hannah- 'Conditions were very testing but the best still came out on top'.
Carrie Smith- 'Racing today was so tough both physically and tactically.'
Doi Kazuto- 'I enjoyed the racing today as i enjoy high winds. Loving it here in Click here for full results
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