Ben Whaley & Lorna Glen Dominate on Day Two

The fleet were greeted by a westerly wind averaging 20 knots as they hurtled off the beach to the ‘West Bay’, for day two of the Noble Marine Rooster RS200 National Championships. The big question on everyone’s lips was - will the left side of the course still pay? Yes was the answer!

The first start got away with lots more jostling early on in the gate as most sailors ‘twigged’ which was the way to go. The race began in flatter waters, with the sea state turning to a messy chop by the windward mark. Ben Whaley & Lorna Glen led the way at the windward mark, having banged the left corner. A tight blast to the spreader before the daring crews edged forward to grab the kite halyards, with flashbacks of day one’s pitchpoles, clear in their minds. The downwind was action packed but thankfully more controlled, there were a few lead changes with Alex Smallwood & Callum Farden as the wind dropped, & the tide-driven swell increased. Eventually Ben & Lorna regained control with Brendan & Ellen taking 2^nd,  Alex & Callum in 3^rd.

Race two started in 8-10 knots. The wind shifted slightly throughout the race, making the left even more favoured. The messy sea state saw the crews working the boats hard, & helms focussing on the sails, ensuring that they weren’t oversheeting to keep the boats driving through the waves. The boats who went hardest left could tack & clear the fleet, & a drag race to the windward mark ensued. Ben & Lorna were again in front, followed by Arran & James, Ian & Emma then Alex & Callum. Helms looked nervously upwind to spot the next ‘puffs of wind’, modes changing from surfing to soaking. This was ‘brain-achingly difficult racing.

The waves built & the wind increased to 12-14 knots. By the 2^nd windward mark Arran & James were in front but another drop in pressure meant the battle was not over, Ben & Lorna picked the shifts & regained the lead at the final top mark. The race finished with Ben & Lorna in front, Arran & James in 2^nd, Ian & Emma completing the podium.

So with Ben & Lorna now matching Arran & James double race wins the battle continues.

^{Written by HENRY HALLAM}