It was a golden day for Goodison on day two of RYA UK Olympic Trials Regatta at Weymouth today

Paul Goodison dominated the windy conditions on day two of the RYA UK Olympic Trials Regatta winning both of the races to establish an eight-point lead over the 40-boat fleet after five races.

A further two races were sailed, on the second day of the regatta, outside the harbour in Weymouth Bay to allow the competitors to sail in different conditions from yesterday.

In winds ranging from 16-24 knots, Goodison, from Ully Sailing Club, led the first race from start to finish, extending his lead throughout the race. Behind him was a fierce battle for second place with a tight packed bunch consisting of Stephen Powell, Dan Holman, Ed Wright and Mark Howard. Eventually it was Powell who took second after Holman was ‘yellow flagged’ by the Jury and had to do a 720 degree penalty turn, dropping him to fifth place overall.

The second race of the day saw Goodison out of the starting blocks quickly and he revelled in the 22kt winds, working his way into the lead by the first mark. He again extended his lead around the course and crossed the finish line to take his second race win of the day from youth sailor Nick Thompson with Ed Wright finishing third.

Goodison commented: “I really enjoyed the conditions today and I am happy about where I am currently placed in this regatta. It is really nice to lead races like today and have no immediate threats to your position allowing you to sail sensibly and not have to take any risks. I was hoping for a third race today as I know I am strong in these conditions and my fitness is a lot better and is one of the things that I have been working on.

“It was great to get some racing outside the harbour as there are more obvious speed advantages due to the conditions, and it means you are able to work the conditions more to gain places around the course.”

After five races, Goodison has an eight-point lead over second placed Mark Powell with Dan Holman just one point behind in third place overall. Ed Wright is currently in fourth place, two points in front of Hugh Styles.

Nick Thompson from Royal Lymington Yacht Club is currently leading the youth sailors who are battling it out for a chance to represent their country at the 2004 Volvo ISAF Youth World Championships this summer. Stephen Powell from Hayling Island Sailing Club is two places and six points behind and in ninth position overall.

The event continues through until the 8 April (if all eleven races are completed).

Overall results (after day 2)

1, Paul Goodison, Ulley SC ((6),2,1,1,1) 5 pts

2, Mark Powell, Hayling Island SC (2,4,2,(DNF),5) 13 pts

3, Dan Holman, Torpoint Mosquito SC (1,3,5,5,(7)) 14 pts

4, Ed Wright, Bay of Colwyn SC (4,(5),4,4,3) 15 pts

5, Hugh Styles, Downs SC (7,1,3,(11),6) 17 pts

First youth

7, Nick Thompson, Royal Lymington YC ((9),8,9,7,2) 26 pts