Fireball World Championship 2016 at Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club - Day 2

Johana Koranva Napravnikova & Jakub Napravnik (CZE 15109) on day 2 of the Fireball Worlds in South Africa © Stuart Parker

Derian and Andy Scott (GBR 14941), Yogi Divaris and Ferdinand Holm (RSA 14910), Anthony and Diane Parker (RSA 14904) on day 2 of the Fireball Worlds in South Africa © Stuart Parker

The big breeze of Day 1 was still around for the second day of the Fireball Worlds in Mossel Bay, South Africa. The Facebook site for the regatta reports that the fleet launched into a stiff south-westerly accompanied by a swell from the east.

The Swiss combination of Mermod & Moser (SUI 14799) led at the first weather mark, followed closely by the British combination of Gillard & Anderton (GBR15127), Schulz and Lidgett (AUS 15113) and the South African combination of Yogi Divaris & Ferdinand Holm (RSA 14910).

By the next rounding of the weather mark normal order had been restored with Gillard & Anderton leading and Schulz & Lidgett up to second. After this first race the fleet were taken ashore as the wind was showing no sign of abating though there was a more favourable forecast for the afternoon.

At 16:00 the fleet was called out again for a second race in 10 – 14 knots. This time Gillard & Anderton led from start to finish, with Yogi Divaris & Ferdinand Holm second, Mermod & Moser third and Schulz & Lidgett fourth. The leading crews were able to fly spinnakers on the top reach but the chasing pack either sailed high initially and then set bag or two-sailed the reach.

Joe Jospe and Tom Egli (CAN 15024) on the right hand side, with Ben Schulz and Jack Lidgett on the left hand side on day 2 of the Fireball Worlds in South Africa - photo © Stuart Parker

Ben Schulz: "Day 2 was wilder than yesterday. Sailed the runs flat on the wire with no kite for a second place finish! They gave us a two-hour break then sent us out again in 20 knots to reach the start area in zero knots. Finally sailed in a building breeze in with way too upright a rake; struggling in for fourth. The programme is for three races tomorrow."

Ben Schulz and Jack Lidgett (AUS 15113) on day 2 of the Fireball Worlds in South Africa - photo © Stuart Parker

Results after Day 2:

For more information on the event visit the official web site at www.fireballworlds2016.co.za or the facebook page.