505 World Championships – Day 2

Day 2 of the Wireless Communications, International 505 World Championships turned out better than expected. The forecast had been for a hot day. In Adelaide, hot days mean no wind. However, on arrival at Adelaide Sailing Club, there was a light Southerly blowing and it stayed with us just long enough to complete two races, and keep the temperature down. The wind was mostly around 8 knots, varying between 180 to 205 in direction.

Day 2 - Wireless Communications International 505 World Championships - The gate start with the pathfinder @christophefavreau — The gate start with the pathfinder @christophefavreau

Race 4

With the breeze at 8 knots, the racing was very close. In the first race of the day, Race 4, at the top mark for the first time, the fleet was still quite bunched together. Most of the rounding’s’ were clean, but yesterday’s stars, Pete Nicholas and Luke Payne were caught in a major tie up. One which saw Luke end up in the water – check the highlights video. Locals Malcolm and Angus Higgins led at the first mark, closely followed by Mike Martin and Adam Lowry, Sandy Higgins and Paul Marsh and then Howie Hamlin and Andy Zinn. Howie and Andy shone in these conditions in the pre Worlds and they shone today. They are very quick downwind. The fight for the win was a battle between them and Mal and Angus. Mal and Angus tried to sail slightly faster angles on the runs to answer Howie and Andy’s speed, but rounding the bottom mark for the final time, Howie and Andy turned just in front and with just a short reach to the finish, it was all over. Sandy and Marshy following close behind the front pair for third.

Day 2 - Wireless Communications International 505 World Championships - Luke Payne recovery @christophefavreau — Luke Payne recovery @christophefavreau

Race 5

Race 5, the second race of the day, was almost a carbon copy of the first, except substitute Sandy and Marshy into the role of battling Howie and Andy for the lead. Again, there was a tight bunch rounding the top mark for the first time with Sandy and Marshy leading. Howie and Andy would pass them and lead at the bottom mark. Sandy and Marshy would pass them upwind and Howie and Andy would return the favour on the run and again take the win. The third spot role was filled by locals, Robin Duessen and David Snoad.

We are now five races in to a 10 race series. Tomorrow is also forecast to be hot. The difference is, today we had beautiful blue skies which may have helped the Southerly exist. Tomorrow, we will likely see some cloud cover. The forecast has the wind ranging through North West, South West, North East and South East, all points of the compass. I feel pity for the Race Officer and his team.