Following on from an evening of fun at the quiz (just ask team SSS the meaning of le nombril!) the fleet launched for two points races and the all important crews race. The conditions were a little damper than the forecast with sailors reaching for their spray tops rather than their sunglasses.
After a general recall the fleet got away cleanly. With the breeze getting up to around 16 knots and blowing off the land there lots of shifts to play. It was even breezy enough for some of the fleet to enjoy a cheeky reach around down the run.
Alan Krayling and Simon Forbes 2034 were again on top form taking the bullet from Pete and Taxi 2039, with Andy and Steve 2042 pulling through to 3rd. Special mention to lightweights Sam Barker and Cara Jones 1923 who held onto brilliant 4th place in their restoration masterpiece Orinocho, despite their board pin dropping out and then having to use their centre board as a dagger board!
With the wind shifting around the AP flag made another appearance while the race officer moved his course. After 2 general recalls the race officer put up the black flag which resulted in 5 boats being sent home for an early bar visit and shower.
The race eventually got away cleanly, and with a big left hand shift the top reach became really tight and made for a good downwind blast. Pete and Taxi 2039 lead from start to finish, it must have been the luck of having the rubber chicken on board! Alan and Simon 2034 held on for 2nd despite loosing the tiller extension. Chris Turner and Oli Fellows 1850 sailed their best race of the week so far, coming home 3rd and in doing so became the third wooden boat to post in the top 4 so far this nationals.
Again this leaves Alan Krailing and Simon Forbes 2034 sitting on top of the pack by a single point now that the first discard has kicked in.
Team Girl 2023 are leading the silver fleet by four points and lady helm by a single point over Team Drama Queen 2005.
John & Nichola Willars 2017 are leading the bronze fleet with Dave Bennet & Martin Tuhoy-Smith 1991 placing second currently.
With the scorpion class association boat sailed by John Tilby & George Backus-Griffin 1797 looking strong for the tenacity award by completing all races so far.
After being BFD in race 5, Baz and Cathrine had a pre race round at the bar! Then headed back out to the course, where 6 boats lined up for the best race of the scorpion year.
Captain Jerry Sparrow and Steve ‘cabin boy’ Walkers 2033 sharp eyes spotted a port hand bias line and set off on their flyer clearing the fleet and pegged it to the mark, between them agreeing on a cunning one tack strategy. They rounded closely followed by the John & Pete Rose 1995, a tight reach ensured that these two extended their lead over the fleet. On the broad reach, the Roses moved ahead. After a well constructed two tack beat Captain Jerry Sparrow snuck ahead of team Rose pipping them on the line by a few seconds.
Meanwhile Catherine and Baz were busy looking at the instructions to work out who pulled the kite up and down at the marks, and held on to third over Liz Bowers and Dave Elston who came in 4th. The misfortune of gear failure for David Harris & Malcolm James meant that the Willars twins capitalised and snuck through to pick up 5th place.
The evening monster barbecue at the club was enjoyed by everyone. As was the late night disco which catered for all ages and all levels of flossing ability. Highlights of the night included a light footed salmon trouser dance, the group in-betweeners dance lesson and the bemused look on the bar staffs face as they hoped their next shift didn’t fall on the Thursday night fancy dress party.