J/109 fleet enjoy the downhill ride in 28 knots at day 2 of the Tacktick J/109 UK National Championship
Four races today – that is a tall order was the cry at breakfast, particularly from those who had visited the venues in Weymouth late on a Friday evening.
The start of Race 4 of the Tacktick J/109 UK National Championship saw the fleet ignore the PRO’s comments regarding a little tide taking them over the line, and they pushed it too hard. The restart was a Black Flag which caught out Jumunu 4 (Alistair Ray) and Jeez Louise (James Arnell) who were both perfect gentlemen and watched the fleet from the distance. It must have been good spectator sport as the wind built to 26-28 knots. Velvet Elvis (Adam & Helen Wright) led at the first windward mark from Shiva (Matt Boyle), Outrajeous (Richard & Valerie Griffiths), Stalker (Steven Tapper) and Jahmali (Mike & Sarah Wallis). By the second windward mark rounding J-Dream (David & Kirsty Apthorp) was hot on Velvet Elvis’ heels. Meanwhile Shiva (Matt Boyle) led the rest of the fleet on the final run which saw many gybing and broaching but not necessarily in that order!
Race 5 saw a general recall as the fleet once again pushed the line. Again the restart saw a Black Flag and unfortunately Jumunu 4 had not learnt their lesson. Also caught by the Black Flag were Basic Instinct (Jonathan Hearth) and Levante (Glynn Williams).
J-Dream led the fleet to the windward mark in wind that had dropped to 18-22 knots. Velvet Elvis was hot on their heels whilst BlueJay (Greg Burgess) and Jahmali tussled it out for 3rd. On the final downwind leg Bluejay took the inside line at the gate to the finish, to snatch 3rd place.
The third race of the day saw the wind build again to 24-28 knots and the fleet once again had a two lap windward leeward course. J-Dream got to the windward mark, hoisted their spinnaker and enjoyed the run downwind as they regularly hit 14-15 knots. Velvet Elvis was in charge of the rest of the pack for the first run but by the second run had lost out to Shiva and Levante. Their superior boathandling for the spinnaker drop moved Velvet Elvis into 3rd place behind Shiva, whilst Levante and Stalker battled for 4th and 5th respectively.
With gusts of 30 knots the PRO made the decision that there would be no more racing today. The J/109 fleet returned to the marina to exchange their tales and for many to have a well earned rest.
With three races scheduled for the final day of racing on Sunday and another windy forecast it is all to play for.
Overall results after two days:
1st – J-Dream 9 points
2nd – Velvet Elvis 12 points
3rd – Stalker 17 points
4th – Shiva 23 points
5th – Jahmali 23 points
6th – Jagerbomb 31 points
7th – Levante 33 points
8th – BlueJay 36 points
9th – Outrajeous 44 points
10th – J2EAU 49 points
