The second day of the 2014 Flying Dutchman World Championships at Largs, Scotland experienced a turnaround in weather on Tuesday 15th July, after a tough first day. Light breezes and plenty of sunny intervals made ideal conditions for competitors and boats which had been pounded by wind and rain on Monday.
Two races were run, once round a triangle sausage course shape in both races. Some windshifts gave opportunities on the windward legs, with a right shift in the first race, sailed in around 12 knots of breeze. Winds were lighter in the second race, starting at 6 knots, perking up later to 10 knots to give a good finish to the race.
Some pairs benefited from the lighter conditions, with Kay-uwe Ludtke and Kai Schafers, Germany, scoring best on the day, with third and second places in the two races helping them rise to third overall. Hungary’s Szabolcs Majthenyi and Andras Domokos who were so dominant on the first day, had to work harder in the lighter conditions, but retain their lead overall.
Also staying consistent at the front were Enno Kramer and Ard Geelkerken, Netherlands, to retain their second place overall. Austria’s Christophe Aichholzer and Phillip Zingerle took the second race today, to keep improving with each race, to move up to fifth overall behind the brothers Bojsen Moller, of Denmark. Italians Nicola and Francesco Vespasiani had a day to remember, winning the first race, and adding a fifth place in the second, so they have sailed themselves into contention.
Best of the Brits are Julian Bridges and Jack Wild, who have sailed an older wooden boat into a very good 15th position.
Racing among this international gathering from eleven countries worldwide continues tomorrow with another two races.
– Alan Henderson
