Issue date
Fleet racing resumed today, the final three days and the NZL team were hoping for the famous Garda breeze, that we have planned for, to start rolling in - but alas by noon there was not even a puff and the temperature was in the high 30's.
Eventually, around 2pm a slight Ora breeze began and built to around 10 knots.
The first flight which had Nick Egnot-Johnson and Alastair Gifford got underway under black flag and unfortunately Alastair was over and whilst there was a slight breeze it was just not enough for our guys to get into good air and get passing opportunities. Nick was putting up a strong fight for the whole race, but it was a day where the start was everything and he finished 31st.
The second flight was Tom Fyfe's turn and he showed good boat speed for most of the race but dipped back on the last leg in the shifty winds - still finishing an ok 30th.
For the third flight the breeze had lightened and Leonard Takahashi-Fry was up, he got a good start and showed his true class by picking the shifts and sailing a very solid race to finish 9th as the breeze began to drop, again a real demonstration of quality sailing and focus after setting the platform with a solid start.
The fourth flight saw Henry Haslett make good use of the upwind after an average start in light conditions but he could not hold his position and he crossed 34th on a shortened course.
The wind died completely then looked to build from the west (not a safe wind on the lake) but it never did and we were treated to a hot and still evening with the ominous sign of rain in the hills.
So only one race today and once again the lack of wind has been a disappointment but also a reminder of how important a start is and the act we must make use of light winds for good solid training so we are prepared for all conditions
Results - Day 4 Fleet racing
Leonard Takahshi-Fry, 9th (14th overall)
Nick Egnot-Johnson, 31st (106th overall)
Tom Fyfe, 30th (107th overall)
Henry Haslett 34th (141st overall)
Alastair Gifford 66BFD (142nd overall)
Regards from the:2013 NZL International Yachting Trust Optimist World's Team
