Laser National Championships - Locals have the advantage on Day 2
by Jane Moffat on 31 Dec 2013
John Jagger proving downwind sailing was the key on day two Guido Brandt
Laser National Championships 2014 - With another day of oscillating south westerly breeze and a strong tide, the locals had the advantage on day two.
In the Radial fleet McCrae sailor John Jagger scored second and a bullet in the two races of the day and declared, 'I think I can retire now'. Jagger commented 'that there is great depth in the fleets as the good people were finding it hard to work their way through.' The tide was again a deciding factor; with the majority of the race time spent downwind, off-wind specialists were in their element.
'It was typical McCrae weather with oscillations that you needed to stay on top of to ensure you didn’t lose your advantage' Jagger observed.
It was a mixed day for other Radial sailors Krystal Weir posting a first and a 16 and Simon Merritt a second and a 18.
Double World Laser Radial Men’s Champion Tristan Brown has made the most of the conditions with two thirds today leaving him with an eight-point lead over nearest rival Brad Utting.
Hamish Wiltshire (NT) pulled ahead again in the 4.7’s scoring a second and third giving him a huge lead over Victorian Jack Graves.
Local sailor Brody Riley made the most of the conditions and local knowledge. 'More consistent conditions would have been good' Riley commented 'but I’m happy with my results today'. His aim for the regatta is a top five finish with a podium finish the ultimate goal. 'It’s much harder that Sail Melbourne, it’s a bigger fleet and tough to get off the start line'.
There were some equipment issues today with Hayden Johnson (QLD) breaking his top section and ripping his sail, so didn’t score in either race. Mark Spearman shredded his mainsheet and although returned to the beach for a spare was unable to get back to the start line in time for the start of the second race.
In the Standard fleet the top four are separated by just four points, bearing out Luke Elliott’s comment yesterday that the top of the fleet is very tight.
With discards not due to kick in for the Standards until seven races have been completed an early start tomorrow and a lay day on Wednesday there is still room for big changes in the top five places across all the fleets.
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