The forecast for races 8 and 9 was up near the class limit so there was a bit of nervousness in the fleet. But word came back from the course that the wind was 12 – 15kn. Strangely it looked a bit more when we got to the start area.
When we got underway it was in NE winds 16-21 gusting to 23kn. In the final 2 minutes of the countdown to Race 8, Snatch ditched it but managed to get up and going at the gun, and ended up taking 2nd behind Guy and Louis (OMFTB) who took out their second win for the regatta. Bandits Glenn and Jack were 3rd, with The Nude (Richie and Lissa), regatta leaders going into the day, managing 4th in very unNude weather.
Race 9 was again in NE winds 17-21, gusting 24kn (according to the start boat – some competitors felt there was the odd bullet that could have topped that!).
Craig and Paul showed their class once again with a win. Sophie and Andy (Hunt Leather) always enjoy the breeze and racked up their first podium for the event with second. There are five women in the fleet and Sophie is the only girl helm (again! Go Sophie!!!) Bangers and Louis took third.
The start boat did record a 27kn gust during racing, and the forecast for the final race tomorrow is WINDY and possibly stormy. We shall see!!!