For Day 2 of the 2014 Wayfarer European Championships, two races were scheduled. However, to make the most of the excellent sailing conditions, the Race Officer set three races – Races 3, 4 and 5 of the Championships. The reason for this extra race was to prepare for a pessimistic wind forecast for the rest of the week when racing may have to be cancelled due to lack of wind.
As the morning started with little wind, racing was postponed for two hours, giving sailors the chance to have a chat or even a second breakfast. Sure enough, at midday clouds began to gather over the land and the wind increased from the west, shifting slightly north and south of west throughout the afternoon.
Conditions dictated that all races would take place in Portland Harbour where there is more wind than in Weymouth Bay. It is also a steadier wind than outside and the tide is negligible. In warm temperatures, such as today, the breeze comes in in the afternoon when the wind speed gradually increases. Today it reached 12 knots during Race 4.
In Race 3, at the first mark Will McGrath and Sam Woolner came first in Second Childhood 3; Martin and Donna Collen came second in Pieces of Eight and Ian Richards and Adam Light were third in Ooh Oh.
The winners of Race 3 were:
First: Will McGrath and Sam Woolner in Second Childhood 3;
Second: Martin and Donna Collen in Pieces of Eight
Third: Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend in The Poacher
In Race 4 at the first mark Bjarne Clausen and Hans W Hansen were first in Black Diamond; Liam and Sue McGrath were second in Cloud Nine; Steve Collins and Alex Cane were third in Arctic Fox
The winners of Race 4 were:
First: Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend in The Poacher
Second: Liam and Sue McGrath in Cloud Nine;
Third: Brian Lamb and Sam Pygall in Fleeced Lightning.
In Race 5, Niels Alsev and Anders Pjetursson in Wet Sucks were the first to reach the first mark, followed in second place by Roger Challis and Mark Johnston in Revival. The Poacher crewed by Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend were third.
The winners of Race 5 were:
First: Michael McNamara and Simon Townsend in The Poacher
Second: Niels Alsev and Anders Pjetursson in Wet Sucks
Third: Roger Challis and Mark Johnston in Revival.
Regardless of the results, everyone had an enjoyable day’s sailing in wonderful conditions.
Report by Angela Garcia, UKWA Press Officer
