Conditions remained the same for the second instalment of King of Cowes, as spectators were treated to more clean, tight racing by some of the country's best. One enthusiast declared it to be "champagne sailing." Few would disagree.
The fleet got off to a flying start - no delays - and it wasn't long before John Tremlett and crew began to take the lead, rounding the top mark first. Second position was more hotly contended - Len Jones taking it with Ian Braham very close behind in third.
Victory class winner Tremlett continued to lead up the second beat, clearly enjoying the increasing distance between himself and the rest of the fleet. By the time they rounded the mark, Tremlett had about an eight second lead, and after a clean hoist it looked as if the crew had this race won. Alister Richardson rounded the mark in second, Len Jones third, Russel Peters (SB3 06 class winner) fourth and David Apthorp fifth.
However, after three legs of seemingly near-perfect sailing, and no dramas, it was the final run that was to test the crews' concentration and nerve. Both Mike Fenwick and Chris Savage found themselves at the back of the fleet after disasterous hoists. Gear failure too for Tom White which saw the end to his race, his concerns now lying with making the final race start.
The final downwind leg also witnessed a change in the running order. After leading for the majority of the race, Tremlett was now under pressure from Richardson, Apthorp and Peters.
Apthorp took the gun, Richardson second, and after Peters' penalty turn close to the line, Tremlett took third. Andy Budgen was fourth, Russel Peters a disappointed fifth.
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Helen Bowley/Yachting World, 3 August 2007
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