Close racing in 29ers at Crown Series Bellerive Regatta
by Peter Campbell 17 Feb 2018 22:52 PST
16-18 February 2018
Strong gusts saw many capsizes in the Crown Series Bellerive Regatta racing on Saturday © Jane Austin
Just three points separate the top three 29er skiffs after four races today in the Banjo's Shoreline Bellerive Regatta, with similar close competition in other off-the-beach classes contesting the regatta.
William Wallis and Fyn Sprott, sailing Westwind, have so far scored 1-3-1-2 for seven points, while Thomas Nikitaris and Silas Hamilton, sailing Hellooooo, are second on 9 points.
Just one point back are Charlie Zeeman and Ethan Galbraith, sailing Skiffy. In fourth place are Australian girl champions Alice Buchan and Dervla Duggan, sailing Smiling Assassin.
A total of near 60 off-the-beach boats raced today, with the forecast of fresh to strong north-westerly winds keeping near 20 boats ashore.
Those who did sail coped well with in the fresh to strong north-wester which gusts to 25 knots in sharp squirts across the river.
In the International Cadets, Hugo Hamilton and Grace Hooper have sailed Shmoken to first overall after placings today of 5-4-2-1.
They are two points clear of Sirocco (Emily Nicolson and Noah Haas) with Hurricane (Jacob McConaghy and Sam Hooper) currently third overall.
The Optimists attracted a good fleet from Sandy Bay Sailing Club with Edward Broadby sailing Winded to three wins and a second today. He is on five points with Adelaide O'Donoghue (Twiga) on seven points.
In the Sabots, Loose Cannon (Daniel Maree) has a two point lead from Another White Boat (Edward Hillcoat).
Tim Mitchell, sailing Live Wire, head the Sabre pointscore with an impressive 2-2-2-1 result today, He s six point clear of fellow Lauderedale Yacht Club member Clive Evans, sailing Crossroads.
Off-the-beach results are provisional, pending a protest in the Laser Radial class, and missing sail numbers.
Other class leaders include Lara Recape and Lucia Gasperini (Flying 11), Stephen McCullum (2.4m), Abbey Calvert (Laser 4.7), Jack Allison (Laser Radial), Tim Mitchell (Sabre) and Drew Latham, Nick Johnston and John Genders (Sharpies).