2015 Intl 14 World Champs - Good shake-out expected for race three

by Tracey Johnstone on 11 Jan 2015 2015 International 14 World Championship - The forecast for today’s Race three in the 2015 International 14 World Championships, being hosted by Royal Geelong Yacht Club, could see changes at the top of the leader board.

The clouds have lifted, the temperature is up and the south-easterly breeze is building already, gusting into the early 20s.

Friday’s Race two had gusts of up to the late teens which tested many of the teams. A consistent 20 knots plus blow today will push the limits of fitness and crew work as the Fourteens fly across the flat water of Corio Bay.

The top placed Australian skipper and defending Australian Champion, Brad Devine, is a little anxious about how his boat will respond to the heavier conditions. 'We haven’t sailed with this rig in these conditions. But that’s okay, we will take it as it comes.

'This rig is very stiff, very powered up. We haven’t sailed for about 12 months so I don’t know as how it is going to work in the stronger breeze. There are a few others who have gone for this style of rig so there could be a few others with the same issue. Mark Krstic has one, so has Ron Scherwinski and Anthony Anderson.

'Lindsay Irwin also has one, although he did seem to be moving well in the fresher breeze on Friday. I don’t know it’s going to be a big problem for him. His sails might be slightly flatter than ours,' Devine said.

'Archie Massey also has one, but he seems to have mastered his. He has been doing a lot of sailing with it,' Devine added.

The top five places overall after two races are being held by Glen Truswell/Sam Pascoe (GBR), Ben McGrane/James Hughes (GBR), Archie Massey/Harvey Hillary (GBR), Brad Devine/Ian Furlong (AUS), Andy and Tom Partington (GBR).

Race three is scheduled to start at 2pm today.