Fireball World Championships Day 2
SRR La Rochelle
A cloudier start to the day in La Rochelle, as there had been thunderstorms overnight. Once competitors were in the race area the sea breeze began to kick in and the sun came out and the temperature rose.
Race 2
The first race of the day started in 10 knots and built during the race. Matt Burge and Richard Wagstaff lead at the windward mark and looked to be holding the lead until a tacking duel on the final beat with Chips Howarth and Vyv Townend, who had been shadowing them all the way around the course. Howarth and Townend taking the victory by a few centimetres. Martyn Lewis & Richard Bailey took 3rd followed by David Edwards and Simon Potts 4th and Tom Foskett and Tim Needham 5th.
Race 3
Ludovic Alleaume and Etienne Perdon ensured that the home nation would be taking home at least on race trophy by claiming the Volvo Trophy from Martin Peculier and Thomas La Seach. Fireball new boy Mike Senior crewed by Andy Thompson claimed third with Howarth and Townend again consistent with a 4th place. With the racing very tight getting a good position at the windward mark
Race 4
A brief flirtation with the pumping flag was ended at the windward as the wind had dropped down to around 8 knots Ludovic Alleaume and Etienne Perdon and Howarth and Townend both pulled away from the pack to have a personal battle for the race. Howarth won the battle for the race and also took the overall lead from the French team.
Two races are scheduled for Tuesday with more sea breeze conditions predicted with a layday on Wednesday
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