7:34 AM Wed 30 Dec 2009 GMT
Another southerly day at the B14 Australian Championships, with many lead changes and a mixed bag of results.
The morning's news was that second placed crew Rafael Heale was out of the game, with a twisted knee. Substitute crew was found at the last minute, local Flying 11 gun Murray, who had never stepped on board a B14 before.
Race 1, and the overnight leader, Pig's Arse (Nick Richardson and Mark Padgett, TAS) was first round the top mark followed by Bonework (Scott Cunningham, James Huggett, VIC). The lead changed a few times but eventually The Nude, (Richie Reynolds and Lissa McMillan, NSW) enjoying the shiftier weather, caught Pig's Arse on the last downwind to get the gun.
Race 2 and the wind lightened a little bit. Fresh from winning the previous race, the Nude got in irons at the start and had to do circles. The Plumbers (Ian and David Cunningham, VIC), led to the top mark. The Plumbers led the whole race, but World Champion Sly Bone, (Guy Bancroft and David Grace, VIC), led round the last top mark. The Plumbers crossed him again halfway down the last run but Sly Bone ended up winning.
Race 3 and The Nude led to the top mark. Sly Bone followed, and Bonework, who have proven very consistent through the regatta. Sly Bone led the rest of the race, and Bonework, The Nude, Pig's Arse, Bonework and Epic (Chris Wells and Rani Dabner, VIC), were crossing tacks and gybes. First was Sly Bone, then Pig's Arse, who had made a big comeback through the race, then Bonework, and The Nude.
The visiting Poms complained that some Australians got in their way of coming first in all three races. Racing was followed by 'Crews Union Volleyball', an interdominion challenge, in the boat park.
by Sophie Hunt
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