John Lavery and David O’Brien lay fourth overall, and just two points off the lead, after the second day’s sailing at the UK Championship yesterday. Two fourths kept the pair in contention.
A 14th and 15th left Alan Green and Ben Mulligan in 16th overall, while Dave Mulvin and Ronan Beirne lay 20th.
On Day 2 of the Allen Flying Fifteen Nationals at Largs, Simon Kneller and Dave Lucas banged in two top results to move into the Championship lead.
In light breezes, peaking around 10 knots, the first of the day’s two races looked like a battle of the sailmakers, as Alan Bax led all the way in style, while Steve Goacher fought off Peter and Sue Bannister to take second on the water. But Bax had been caught OCS at the start, so his apparent victory was for nought. Instead the race win went to Steve Goacher and Phil Evans, with the Bannisters second and Simon Kneller/ Dave Lucas in third.
Kneller’s rise to the front continued in the second race with a race win to give him the best scoreline of the day, lifting him above Goacher overall after three races. It was a hard fought victory, as he finished just two boat lengths ahead of second placed David and Sally McKee, who also rose up the leaderboard. The day’s results set up a very tight leaderboard, with four teams separated by just two points, at the halfway mark of the Championship. The stage is set for an exciting climax to the Championship over the next two days at Largs.
Last night the competitors enjoyed a seafood buffet and whisky, courtesy of hospitality sponsors Loch Fyne and Loch Lomond Distillery whisky.
At the reception, the class is celebrating passing a major milestone, of sail number 4,000. The two very latest boats sail number 4001 and 4002 were launched at this Championship. But the Championship and class also includes many older boats, the vintage Classics and the rather younger Silver fleet. The class encourages both these fleets, ensuring long competitive life for older boats.
Results, Race 2, Calypso Cup
1. Steve Goacher/ Phil Evans, Royal Windermere YC
2. Peter and Sue Bannister, Hayling Island SC
3. Simon Kneller/ Dave Lucas, Grafham Water SC
Results, Race 3, John Clark Trophy
1. Kneller/ Lucas
2. David and Sally McKee, Dovestone SC
3. Adrian Tattersall/ Tim Smart, Parkstone YC
Overall after Day 2
1. Kneller/ Lucas, 4pts
2. Goacher/ Evans, 6pts
3. McKee/ McKee, 6pts
4. John Lavery/ David O’Brien, National YC, IRL, 6pts
Top Classic overall; Bobby Salmond/ Ingrid Magnus, Holy Loch SC in 19th overall.
Top Silver overall; Chris and Marion Bowen, Northampton SC in 24th overall.
