Hartley Boats Contender National Championship at Broadstairs SC - Day 3

Contender Nationals at Broadstairs © Broadstairs SC

After the liveliness of the previous day on the water the fleet were looking forward to a much more relaxed affair, unfortunately the wind came up to 22knt with 2m sea at just about race time. On hearing this news the sailors took on plenty of fluids and ibuprofen.

Out on the course the wind was quite strong but manageable but with a big sea just for fun.

Race one of the day had some pin bias but just the one recall. Both Simon Mussell and Ben Holden made the best of it at the 1st mark with not much changing downwind. Richard Batten caught up and took second by the 2nd round with Ed Presley making gains on the left to get into 3rd.

Simon never looked worried and brought it home with Richard 2nd and Jonex doing his consistency thing in 3rd.

Contender Nationals at Broadstairs - photo © Broadstairs SC

For the second race, a touch less wind made getting over the waves more tricky, Ed Presley lead out of the blocks with Stuart Jones chasing and finally grinding him down on the 2nd beat. Lots of changes up the beat allowed the rest of the fleet catch the front three with only Jones surviving the onslaught, he took 1st with Graeme Wilcox and Mark Watts gaining loads in 2nd and 3rd.

At one minute to go in race three the previously even line suddenly decided to become increasingly pin biased. Boats at the pin had to tack to cross the line and were able to point to the windward mark. Main beneficiary was Ben Hawkes followed by Gary Langdown and Adrian Smith. Ben, new to Contenders had yet to lead a race but jumped on the opportunity to maintain this one until the last beat where Gary was able to get past to win. Ben still managed 2nd with Mark Watts once again 3rd.

This day had left Stuart Jones in a strong position as the only man with any consistency. Technically Gary can still win but he will need a lot of luck.

Results after Day 3: