Day 3 was raced in beautiful light northerly conditions, with 2 races left to complete the regatta for another year.
A triangle course was set for Race 1 and Division A got a bit more aggressive on the start, with Helter Skelter over the line and Squealer holding The Guarantee out behind the committee boat. Division B was a bit more polite with a clear start and lots of boats late at the boat end.
The big mover was Revs as they overtook Satellite Spy on the second leg heading to the wing mark. Coming down to the bottom mark on the third leg CU and Airship demonstrated great skill in goose winging their gennakers – like old-school “bloopers.”
On rounding the top mark for the second time, Blink got a little too close and caught it allowing Revs to catch up and extend their lead over Satellite Spy, resulting in beating them on line for the first time in this regatta. St Laurence was first on line in Div A and Blink second.
CU won line honours for another race in Div B and decided to head in early and not compete in Race 9 – as they didn’t need to for the results. Airship was second on line in Div B, followed by Whistler 111.
With a long harbour course set for Race 9 both divisions had civilised starts and boats rounded the top mark before the long downwind leg to Number 1 Leading Light, towards the harbour entrance. In Div B Slingshot shot into the lead for a time but was passed by Airship. In Div A Satellite Spy shot out into the lead and was 1st Div B boat around Leading Light but St Laurence and Blink soon caught them on the upwind leg.
As the racing progressed slowly the Race Management team shortened and finished the race for Div B at Ngaraunga mark, which led to a little confusion for some boats who were keen to hoist kites at the mark – need to read sailing instructions!
Line honours in Div A went to St Laurence for Race 9, while Airship finished correctly at the boat for line honours in Div B. A protest was lodged between Illusions and Haumuri for Race 9, which has held up prize giving.