FF Pre-Worlds, Melbourne, Final day
By Secretary. Filed in Race reports |
The final day of the Pre-World Championship, which incorporated the Australia National Championship, started overcast with cloud and rain and was cold even by UK standards
The first race had three recalls. Overnight leader Mike Hart and Richard Rigg were OCS after the black flag and this put them out of the running. Australian Grant Alderson led at the first mark with Barry Parkin and Tim Hall in third and Steve Goacher and Phil Evans fourth. Alderson went far to the left on the second rounding and Goacher took the lead which he held to the finish to win for a second time. Alderson was second and Parkin fourth
Thus, for the final race, Alderson, Goodmanson and Parkin were best placed. Goodmanson took the lead after the start in a breeze that built to force 5 with a big swell. He held it to the finish with Parkin second, Alderson third and Goacher fourth
This made Grant Alderson and Dean Mcaullay Australian Champions and Pre-Worlds winners, with Barry Parkin and Tim Hall runners-up. Aaron Goodmanson and Alister Rowlands were third, Steve Goacher and Phil Evans fourth and Mike Hart and Richard Rigg 5th. David McKee and Chris Hewkin were 6th after a very consistent series. Eight British boats were in the top 20 and 12 in the top half of the open fleet.
Two days follow for rest, recuperation and repair before the beginning of the World Championships.
A full set of pics available, click here
Full results click here