2014/15 VS Australian Championships - Gosford Day 2 Race Report

Unfortunately a long day of racing results in a short race day report.  Despite fickle conditions today the Race Officer and his support did a great job and not only managed to get our scheduled races completed but we also picked up our postponed heat.  I don’t think everyone was back ashore before 6pm so it was a big day.  Thanks to all for your perseverance. 
 Everyone’s a winner..
The first heat today was very similar to yesterdays – which way to go?  With two breeze lines blowing down the bay some boats went south, some went north.  One minute you had a big lead; next you were way back in the pack.  It was really tough to pick where to go.  But some got it right more than others, in particular Mick, Robbie & Mark who jumped out of the pack with good speed, especially downwind, to chalk up an easy victory in Runaway.  Tim, Hugh & Tom on SFC Computers could also feel satisfied, scoring an untroubled 2nd across the line.  The other standout of this heat was Alex, Peter & Andrew on Red Fish Café, who showed that a bit of tuning works, and scored =3rd on handicap, despite the breeze strength less than they desire.
The second heat was also a bit of a gamble on which way to go.  The NE breeze line was becoming more dominant but the SE line persisted.  Again big gains & losses were to be made.  My best performer in this heat (and for the day) was Black Diamond.  Bob, Hayden & Ben rebuilt their mast overnight, missed the first race start (but finished well anyway) yet were first around the top mark in this heat.  They held on to get 3rd scratch & easily claim the handicap victory.  Well deserved.  Troy Botting Shipwright could also smile; Col, Adam & Troy sailing well to get the gun at the finish.  Similarly Battleship had a great race.  Michael, Beano & Chris were leading at the bottom mark on the first lap & also scored a good handicap position.
The third race was in a more settled breeze out of the ENE.  Firestorm & TBS had a good tussle out front throughout the race but I think Brian, Tim & Daniel on Under Pressure 2 could feel very satisfied with this race.  Always up front, they rounded the windward mark for the final time in 2nd place.   The gusts didn’t favour  them down the final run but they still managed an easy 3rd across the line.
With two days racing completed the competition is well and truly anyone’s.  Check out the score pages.  Racing continues until Friday.