Carl Whitehead leads RS Vareo nationals

After day one’s disappointment of fog and no racing, the wind and visibility were back for day two of the RS Vareo national championship at Filey SC yesterday.

Two races were sailed back to back in a north-westerly Force 2-3. The fleet got away first time with Carl Whitehead clear of the fleet at the windward mark followed by Chris Kirkland and Richard Kemp-Salt. Three rounds were sailed with boats surfing down the swell at great speed. At the finish Whitehead was 1st, Kirkland 2nd and Kemp-Salt 3rd.

The second race a group of four boats took a port flyer with Tim Greenwood leading. He held to the finish with Chris Larr 2nd and Carl Whitehead 3rd. The fleet were sent ashore for lunch with the prospect of two more races back to back in the afternoon.

Fed and watered the fleet returned to the water for race three. A short delay to adjust the course and the fleet started cleanly.

Team Filey were 1, 2 and 3 at the windward mark with Whitehead 1st, James Whitehead 2nd and Colin Aldred 3rd. Some local knowledge of sailing in waves kept them clear of the fleet and after 3 rounds that was how they finished with Chris Larr pushing hard in 4th.

Race 4 started with a fleet piled up at the pin end. After a wind shift James Whitehead got clear with Martin Barratt 2nd and Chris Larr 3rd. Passing opportunities were reduced as the wind shifted further making the beat a fetch. Barratt got in front of Whitehead briefly but Whitehead pipped him at the finish with Chris Larr 3rd.

The fleet went ashore to enjoy the evening BBQ and some well earned beers.

Results (after 2 days)

1st Carl Whitehead Filey Sailing Club 5 points

2nd James Whitehead Filey Sailing Club 8 points

3rd Chris Larr Grafham Sailing Club 9 points