Thailand Worlds Day Three

1 April 2014

Day 3 race no.1 provided another post card day at the Fireball World Championships in Thailand with an increasing 15 knots @ 210 degrees and a tactical 3 knots of tide running across the course.

After a clean start Schulz/Sheppard came from the left in pressure to lead the first mark ahead of followed by Birrell / Breaery then  Batchelor/Pasco   two boat lenghts behind.

The fleet order remained unchanged for the  triangle, loop, triangle course with the top three boats rounding each mark within less than six boats apart.

Allison/Blenkle had a catostophic end by losing their rudder and retiring from the race. Jelina broke a main halyard and Kevin spent time swimming again.

The second race uncharacteristically matured into a firm and unstable tropical reaching 20 knots in gusts.

After the start the fleet eveningly split up the first beat with boats converging from the port and starboard laylines. The opportunitist Nathan/Sam  from the left in the last 200 metres gained that essential lift and round in first place followed by Schulz/Sheppard and Tom/Fletcher from the right.

Ben hit the lead on the second lap ahead of Nathan but surrended the lead on the run. This seems to be the order of things this week with the Aussies super quick upwind and the Poms having the advantage downhill. The two boats had a great scrap until Ben's gasket peeled off acting as a sea anchor and leaving them to limp to the finish.

Naathan and Sam went on for a solid win. Jack and Tom snuck in to second just ahead of the wounded Ben and Doug who rounded out the top Three.

After six races Brearey / Birrell lead, Bachelor / Pascoe are second and Schulz / Sheppard are third. Any one of the three can still win so the last four races should be exciting.

On a sombre note Fireball International express their deepest sympathy to Heather McFarlane who's father passed away last night. All our thoughts are with Heather, Chris and their family.

Results After Six Races