Day Four at Etchells Worlds in Melbourne
We had another decent day today in finishing second to GT, Wharo and MJ by half a length.
More breeze today, which was good for us, as we seem to go well in more wind and it also takes some of the “lottery” element out of play that can sometimes occur in the lighter breeze. However, it was from the north and anyone that knows the top end of Port Phillip, knows that the northerly is a fickle breeze.
We started ok near the middle but took an early opportunity to get to the right. It took a long time for the right side to show promise, but when it did, it paid pretty big at the top of the leg. From there we had a very tight three boat race with GT and also two-time winner Stuart Childerly from GBR, with Jason Muir’s very consistent team snapping at our heals in 4th. There was a massive gap back to 5th. We finally claimed the lead on the last beat, but GT hit the right layline looking for a shift and it went his way. Well done to them. They have had a tough week in the light air. They were fast today.
Yesterday was up and down. On a positive note, we placed 4th in the second race of the day. It was a nice comeback, as we were around 10th after a lap. The downer for us a disqualification in the first race of the day for starting prematurely. Basically it was operator-error. Hard to describe the feeling when our number got called out over the radio. Not good, but that’s the sport.
With three races to sail we have a very slim lead to Muir’s team. Their worst is a 10th, so they are in a great position. Two races tomorrow with a very dodgy forecast, so still early days. Lots of golf left in this hole. There is also a plethora of very talented teams in the mix. For me, it is simply a matter of doing what I do to the best of my abilities and to support my team-mates to do similar. Having a ball sailing with John and Ben.