Allen Europe class National Championships 2023 in Plymouth - Day 2

Day 2 dawned overcast and a bit chillier, but definitely with more wind, and the added bonus of class legend Richard Eagleton joining the fleet (more of legends later on).

The fleet was released on time and made its way to the committee boat, just south of Drakes Island for the first of 3 races.

Race 1 started with the O flag flying, getting going on the 2nd attempt under the U flag. By the time we reached the windward Mark it had gone light and shifty, possibly due to the rather large ship anchored further upwind. The fleet were greeted by the R flag at the leeward mark, bringing Rule 42 back into play. Graham Hutchings made the best of the shifts and won the match race with Steve Cockerill to take the win, John Rees came in a comfortable 3rd, with a close bunch behind. The Jury had some work to do with a number being shown the yellow flag and the obligatory 360.

A short delay whilst the Plymouth - Santander ferry departed and and change of location down towards Cawsands Bay allowed the breeze to kick in and the swell to build, a change of course to Windward Leeward set up for some entertainment downwind. Graham decided that 1 win wasn't enough for one day winning the 2nd race. With more breeze Alex Scoles was able to stretch his legs to secure 2nd and Steve 3rd.

The final race of the day got cleanly away with the breeze & swell both up, Steve found a new gear and lead the fleet, Alex again in 2nd and Hector Cisneros taking 3rd, another close race for the next 8 places saw a lot of boats finishing with seconds of each other.

The fleet was then rewarded with a fast sleigh ride home, top speed recorded at 13 knots by Gareth Tweedle. A lot of tired but smiling sailors when everyone got ashore.

It's not all about the podium in the Europe class, 2 new trophies generously donated by Rooster Sailing, one for the Grand Masters (50-60's) and one for legends (70+) Richard, despite having a family wedding yesterday, leads the legends and the Grand Masters is very tight with 5 of the top ten in contention be the first to get their name on the trophy.

It's also extremely tight in the Women's classification, Sue Ogg leading in 7th, but closely followed by Emma Pearson, Lucy Boreham & Mandy Horton.

Mark Swallow is currently leading the tin rig category for boats without a carbon mast.

Another beautiful evening in the sunshine and dinner plans being made to re fuel the sailors for 3 races and a possible long distance race tomorrow.

Results after Day 2:

More information at events.ksail.co.uk/2023/EuropeNationals