Albacore Internationals Day 2

by Alan Henderson on 20 Jul 2009
Benromach Albacore Internationals Day 2. Three races in winds rising from light and patchy to strong by Race 3, gave the 52 Albacores another exciting and entertaining day’s racing.

Organisers at Largs SC moved the race area into the Largs Channel in anticipation of rising winds, and their foresight was rewarded with three good races. The first race started in 10mph winds, but these dropped way on the final triangle.

Winds were up to 15mph by the start of the second race, and they kept on rising to give a third race in strong winds throughout.

But reigning Champions Barney Harris and David Byron, from the USA, coped equally well with all conditions. After a third place in the lightest race, they then took the next two races in good style to break through into the lead for this Championship. Closest challengers were heavy weather sailors Will Gulliver and Steve Graham, while Chris Turner and Simon Maguire moved up into third overall with a second and third place in the two windier races.

It was a new race area for the fleet, and the winds blowing and shifting over the Island of Cumbrae posed plenty of challenges to the sailors. Harris admitted to being sometimes 'befuddled' by the shifts, and was impressed by his nearest challenger Gulliver’s ability to 'click into' the shifts. Even so Harris and Byron, who have sailed together since 1995, kept ahead and stayed consistent. Behind the leaders, many used the shifts well to make impressive recoveries from poor positions early on. Judy Armstrong crewed by husband Paul is top lady in fifth.

After the discard, Gulliver is just a point behind Harris, setting up an exciting climax to the National Championship, which finishes tomorrow, Monday. All races within the week will count towards the Internationals Championship, concluding on Friday.

Results overall after four races, one discard

1. Barney Harris & David Byron, Potomac River Sailing Assn, USA. 4pts.
2. Will Gulliver & Steve Graham, Northampton SC. 5pts.
3. Chris Turner & Simon Maguire, Tynemouth SC. 8pts.
4. Nigel Potter & Mark Fowler, Notts County SC, 14pts.
5. Judy & Paul Armstrong, Scaling Dam SC. 14pts.

Full results on www.scottishsailinginstitute.com