Australian Nationals Day Three

29 December 2013

A tough day at the office was an understatement for third day of the Fireball  nationals. Waves up to six metres high, heaps of weed islands and a dying breeze meant conditions were very tough.  Holding down your lunch was even tougher for the race committee with Cameron on his 50th birthday falling fowl while taking photos.

The first race started at one with a clear start. The left side of the course was favoured marginally and Thommo  and Havas again pulled clear. Greg and Ali were second followed by John and Brett with Ben and Jeff right on their tail. The race was tight all the way to the end but the positions at the top mark remained the same til the end.

Race two became the lottery round.  Phil and Clouds must have made a deal with the devil as the clocked right off the start line and quickly built a big lead.  Lap two and the next Glenn like his brother sailed from  mid fleet to second on a magic shift. The usual suspects closed out the ranks allowinging Thommo and Havas to extend their lead. A special mention for Jelina Thompson who had a commendable sixth.

Raked up to eight for the final  race it was tough to get up the waves without stopping at times.  Greg and Allan headed left while Don Allen came from the right to lead at the top mark. Greg cruised through for the win followed by Thommo and John third.  Don sailed extremely well to hold fourth.

Hopefully tomorrow the sea will subside a bit otherwise things will be tricky with lighjer winds forecast for tomorrow.