Martin Hill and the Estate Master crew settled in today sailed more consistently to fifth and fourth places in Races 4 and 5 respectively. Following a reasonable start in Race 6 and rounding the top mark in the top six, they fell away to finish 10th to maintain sixth place overall on 38 points.
“We started the day well with two good results, but we were fouled by a fishing boat and kelp on the rudder in the third race, which put us back in the fleet,” Hill said after racing. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the passing lanes after that.
“We’re still sixth overall, we haven’t lost anything, and tomorrow is another day and a chance to climb back,” the Sydney yachtsman said, adding, “The racing is very close and exciting.”
Mark roundings were so tight in all three races that spectators held their collective breaths as calls were made for buoy room. By Race 6, the breeze had increased and the fleet flew around the course and Estate Master was in the first six to round the top mark. However, despite conditions being ideal for the Aussies, other things conspired against them.
Positions at the top of the board have changed dramatically with six races now sailed. Wolfgang Schaeffer’s Struntje Light (GER) has taken the lead on 23 points, with John Demourkas’ Groovederci (USA) second on countback and defending world champion, Plenty (Alex Roepers) is now third on 25 points.
Two days of racing remain at the Rolex Farr 40 Worlds, which continues tomorrow when officials plan to put three more races to bed. A maximum 11 races are scheduled for the series and racing is due to commence shortly after midday each day.
Estate Master is one of 17 boats from six nations entered for the Rolex Farr 40 Worlds and Pre-Worlds which are being hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club.
– Di Pearson, Estate Master media
2015 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship
Preliminary Cumulative Results Day 2 (Top 5)
1. Struntje light, Wolfgang Schaefer , GER – 1 -9 -6 -4 -1 -2 ; 23
2. Groovederci, John Demourkas , USA – 7 -4 -3 -1 -5 -3 ; 23
3. Plenty, Alex Roepers , USA – 5 -1 -4 -6 -8 -1 ; 25
4. Nightshift, Kevin McNeil , USA – 2 -5 -5 -7 -3 -8 ; 30
5. Asterisk Uno, Hasip Gencer , TUR – 8 -2 -8 -3 -7 -6 ; 34
A full list of today’s results is available at: http://www.yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=1238
