Saturday 30th April 2011
Report by Graham Smith

Heavy swell and lumpy seas
 
Consistency Scores for top four

Four points separate the top four boats after the first day's racing in the SB3 Eastern Championship, sailed in fresh (but later moderating) north-easterlies, big swells and lumpy seas which contributed to several retirals during the three-race schedule.

The conditions didn't seem to bother the 30-strong fleet in Race 1 with all bar one boat crossing the finishing line, the honours going to Andrew Algeo's 'Flutter' from the Royal St.George YC. Another visitor, 'Sibelius' (K.Dorgan) from Carrickfergus took second ahead of another northerner, former Olympian Peter Kennedy of RNIYC in 'Ridgefence.com'. Local interest was maintained by 'Sharkbait' (Duncan/Moran/Morris) by finishing 4th, a promising start for what would become an even better day.
 
 
Race 2 saw HYC's 'Sharkbait' take line honours ahead of Sean Craig's 'Yeti' (RSt.GYC) while 'Sibelius' came home third to keep the pressure on the leader. 'No Name' (Darren Martin of Strangford Lough) took 4th and Andrew Algeo's 5th kept him in touch after two races. Kennedy in 'Ridgefence.com', however, was one of six boats forced to retire but unlike four boats which could not continue racing, he was able to return to the action for the third race.
 
 
In fact, he bounced back rather well with a 5th in that last race so he is not out of contention yet. Sean Craig's 'Yeti' went one better than in Race 2 with a bullet, this time changing places with Howth's leading contender 'Sharkbait'. 'Sibelius' and 'Flutter' continued to demonstrate admirable consistency, finishing 4th and 5th respectively.
 
 
It doesn't get much closer at the top of the leaderboard after PRO Harry Gallagher and his team got the three races completed and as the Championship reaches its half-way stage, HYC's 'Sharkbait' (Duncan/Moran/Morris) has the narrowest of margins over 'Sibelius' (K.Dorgan), with 'Flutter' (A.Algeo) two points adrift and 'Yeti' (S.Craig) another point behind, the reward for consistency so far.

Placings after 3 races
1stSharkbait (Duncan/Moran/Morris) - HYC7 points
2ndSibelius (K.Dorgan) - CSC8 points
3rdFlutter (A.Algeo) - RStGYC10 points
4thYeti (S.Craig) - RStGYC11 points
5thPattersonlifts (G.Patterson) - RNIYC28 points
6thSeriously Bonkers (Cuppage/Lee) - RStGYC29 points
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