The SL16 Fleet in action at the Four Star Pizza Youth World Championships. Picture Robert Bateman
In very varied conditions across the two races sailed yesterday, there were some Irish rewards, particularly in the Laser Radial class where Finn Lynch sailed to his best result of the regatta so far, with a third in the first race of the day. His best score was then matched neatly in the second race for the girls Radial class by Sophie Murphy who paired her third to a solid 13th in the first race to lie 14th overall in the 42 boat fleet. However, Lynch paid a heavy price in the second race when he was among the seven sailors disqualified for being over the start line early. In fact he was in good company as the US Sailing Team’s Mitchell Kiss was disqualified for the same rules infringement in the first race, admitting later that he too was out to take a few more risks to try and ease further clear of the pack. He has now ensured this discard will have to continue to be used for the final races. However, he still lies in an excellent eighth overall position and still within and not without the possibility of catching up to the medals with three races still to be completed.
The Royal Cork 420 duo Patrick Crosbie and Grattan Roberts, described by a leading coach as “a true natural talent”, in action at the World Youth Championships. Picture Robert Bateman
The young duo in the 420 boys class, Royal Cork’s Patrick Crosbie and Grattan Roberts, lie 14th overall after a 19th and ninth yesterday:
“ We had a really bad start in the first race, on the line too early and could not accelerate.” recalled crew Roberts, “ We have been disappointed with the first two days but we are getting better.”
In the 29er class Alexander Rumball and Rory McStay are 10th in the 15 boat fleet which is led by the British duo, world champions Rupert White and Tom Britz.
Winds continued to be frustrating on Dublin Bay. Though the first race was sailed in 11-14 kts there were big shifts in direction but for the second contest, it died away to four knots at times as ominous clouds rolled across the course area, finally bringing another downpour. But a light wind finish to the Championship is expected as high pressure is finally expected to bring sunshine as well.
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