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Yesterday saw the resumption of fleet racing with 3 good races sailed. Following the passing of the front Easterly winds resumed, the sun was out and it was hot. Race 5 was sailed in 8-10kts. This was the chance for the lighter sailors to shine. Matt Ashwell won the race, continuing his dominant performance. Crossing the line just behind him was Sean Kavanagh. Sadly Sean was adjudged OCS. Rohan Childley sailed very well taking 14th.
The wind continued to build throughout the day, with 12-14kts for race 6 and 16-19kts for race 7. As the wind increased, so did the outgoing tide and the sea state became very challenging with short steep waves to deal with. The advantage shifted to the heavier and more experienced sailors. Matt Ashwell continued to sail brilliantly in all conditions although he was pipped to the finish line in both races, posting 2 second places. Rohan finished a credible 15th in race 6. Jude Stanley had a relatively consistent day posting results of 16,19 and 24. Ingrid Holm was sadly disqualified in race 6 for only doing a 360 penalty instead of a 720 when receiving a yellow flag from the on the water judges. She bounced back in the last race of the day, rounding the weather mark 4th and leeward mark 5th, before a final beat that saw her slip to 12th, still her best result in the regatta. That was enough to keep her as second placed girl in the regatta.
Sadly Karl’s DNF from race 4 (recall he crossed the line in 8th) was not redressed. The race committee gave precious little notice prior to the hearing. The notice was posted on the electronic notice board while team management were without internet access. Once notice was received, the parties rushed back to the club from the team hotel, dodging Maputo rush hour traffic. However the race committee were unsympathetic and could not see Karl in the video replay. As such his DNF stands. Life is tough! To Karl’s credit, he kept a brave face and with a smile, sees the bigger picture. He is amazing character and a fine young man.
Going into the final day we hope to crown Matt as 2018 African Champion. There will be a battle for bragging rights between Jude, Sean, Ingrid, who are lying 17th, 18th and 19th respectively. Rohan and Karl in 24th and 28th will be looking to mix things up with some good finishes. If Karl gets a second discard, he will shoot up the ranks and may well finish as second placed boy. Chiara, Lena and Oscar will be hoping to finish the regatta on a high and get into the top half of the fleet.
Wind on the last day is forecast to be more northerly and to build from 10kts in the morning to around 20kts later in the day.
Regards
Michael and Heidi Kavanagh