Report from Harken 29er 2018-19 GP6 at Hayling Island SC
Day 1 dawned with a distinct lack of wind and an AP over 1 delayed the start till the early afternoon. But by the time the fleet hit the race course, a champagne sea breeze of 12-17 kts and blue skies had kicked in bringing with it some sizeable waves.
We had 4 races back to back with a tricky change in tidal conditions between race 3 and 4. A fair few black flags and 5 trapeze wire equipment failures meaning that many top boats had used their discard on day 1 leaving it all to play for on Day 2.
Overnight 2787 (Ewan Wilson/Fin Armstrong) were in the clear lead with 3 bullets and a 5th, followed by 2433 (Ollie Evans/Will Jarman) who clocked a bullet and 3 top tens to lie in 2nd place overnight, closely followed by 2611 (Monique Vennis-Ozanne/John Mather) in third.
Day 2 was a different story. Cloud, rain, colder temperatures and a very light offshore breeze greeted the fleet who launched into about 10kts of breeze and flatter water. The race committee again served up 4 good races with some intense competition at the front of the fleet. The discard kicked in after race 5 changing the front runners with 2909 (Elodie Edwards/Hannah Morris) moving up to 4th and 1st girls. Second Girls were 2507 (Athena Vogiatzi/Maddie Wylie) and third girls were 2304 (Emma James/Alice Masterman). 2828 (Tom Storey/Pierce Harris) moved up to 3rd with a bullet in the last race of the day. 2661 (Monique Venus-Ozanne and Jon Mather) moved up to 2nd and first mixed team, while 2787 (Ewan Wilson/Fin Armstrong) retained their position as 1st overall. Third boys were 2788 (Freddie Peters/Toby Atherton). 1st Junior prize went to 2335 (Will Pank/Seb Gotto) in 10th place - relative newcomers who scored a notable 3rd and 4th on Day 1. Second Juniors were 2898 (Aled Llewellyn-Jones/Ben Willett) who also scored a 3rd on Day 1.
It was great to see so many new boats sailing well and enjoying the conditions.
Elodie Edwards
