Fierce competition in the 420 fleet on day 3 of the RYA Youth Nationals
It was a test of nerves in the 420 class with points extremely close at the top of the fleet, but it was Craig Dibb (Warsash SC) and Charlie Cox (Royal Lymington Yacht Club) who stole the day's headlines as they finished their first three races in the top three including two bullets, to put themselves in fourth overall.
It was a test of nerves in the 420 class with points extremely close at the top of the fleet, but it was Craig Dibb (Warsash SC) and Charlie Cox (Royal Lymington Yacht Club) who stole the day's headlines as they finished their first three races in the top three including two bullets, to put themselves in fourth overall.
“Good boat speed, good starts and good up wind racing was key to finishing two races in first place,” explained Dibb.
Tarra Gill Taylor (Spinnaker SC) and Christian Townrow (Restronguet SC) finished the day at the front of the fleet after posting 5-5-2-3. Tim Gratton (Hayling Island SC) and Ed Riley (Warsash SC) continue to produce consistent results and have positioned themselves one point off the top spot after posting 1-3-3-5. Third place is currently occupied by Jess Lavery (Emsworth SC) and Georgie Mothersele (Emsworth SC) who are leading the way for the girls in the 420 fleet.
Lavery said: “We are extremely pleased with our current position and feel we are racing very well. Our main priorities were the shifts, clear lanes and pressure which enabled us to race well.” Mothersele continued: “We didn’t have any expectations coming into the event, but we are now aiming for a top three finish, maybe even ISAF selection. The pressure is now on and we know that Annabel and Megan are excellent sailors, so who knows what will happen.”
“Finishing first in the last race of the day was excellent and it could well be our best race yet! We need to continue what we are doing and ideally finish in the top ten in every race to be in with a chance of a medal” Lavery stated.
HRH The Princess Royal added to the excitement at the Championships on Wednesday as she met the sailors and watched the racing.
Go to the Event Website for more information and full results
