GJW Direct 2013 Firefly Nationals at Royal Torbay Yacht Club Day 3
The third day of the GJW 2013 Firefly Nationals saw two more races take place in even windier conditions with gusts hitting 25 knots at times. In the first race of the day, the fireflies had their traditional general recall as they attempted the first line start of the event. The second attempt under the I flag saw the sailors behave slightly better, with a few boats called over however, the race got underway with everyone fully hiked out and racing towards the rain clouds. Shooting off the pin end of the start line and crossing the fleet Andy Cornah and Kate Fairclough sailing Desperado rounded the first mark with a good lead, followed by Ben and Jenny Vines in Featherlite. On the second beat Cornah and Fairclough stuck with the majority of the fleet, allowing Jono and Sarah Pank in Pogie to sneak through on the far right. A close race round the remainder of the trapezoid course then ensued among the front three boats, which saw them pretty much side by side on the run. Pank held on to take his second race win in a row, with Cornah and Fairclough second and the Vines a close third.
The pause between races was greeted by an almighty squall as the sailors hid behind their sails as best they could. Luckily the weather cleared slightly and the fleet reverted back to an orderly gate start in 20 knots of breeze. Reigning National Champion Stuart Hudson sailing with Jo Findlay in Fursty Ferret shot out of the start and were first to the top mark, closely pursued by Steve Greaves and Class Chair Caroline Edwards in Cumulus. The two leading boats stretched out a good lead and maintained their positions to the finish, with former National Champion Nigel Wakefield and Emily Saunderson rediscovering their form to take third place.
Overall, the scores remain tight both amongst the top five and throughout the fleet with each boat now earning a discard. Five more races are scheduled, and with 40 knot gusts predicted for tomorrow there will certainly be a lot more spray flying around Torbay.