Change in fortune helps Crazy win in Flying Fifteens, Flasheart comes out on top in division two

Des BeeckAlbany Advertiser
Camera IconWinners Aileen Lucas with Cliff James after their victory with Crazy. Credit: Des Beeck

Flying Fifteen skipper Aileen Lucas had a reversal of form on Saturday when she overcame a disappointing effort the previous week to be victorious in her harbour course race on corrected time.

With her old crew Cliff James back on board everything went according to plan as Crazy had a good start and was able to stay in touch with the faster boats.

A steady easterly at about 17 knots made for quick times around the course.

Simon Lucas shot to the lead immediately with FForever Young where he stayed for the whole journey knowing that with his huge handicap he’d have to finish well ahead for any chance of a place.

Wayne North was a tad too anxious when starting with Frequent Flyer and had to restart, losing valuable time in doing so.

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Camera IconSecond placed Wayne and Ela North with Frequent Flyer. Credit: Des Beeck

However he showed great determination to make up for lost time and slid into second place midway through the event.

Simon Lucas picked the odd wind shift and increased his lead but it was Aileen Lucas in Crazy who stole the show with Frequent Flyer taking second place with FForver Young relegated to third and fastest in what was a very interesting encounter between all three yachts.

Division two competed in a King George Sound race and a fleet of five started in a staggered fashion with a couple missing the start by several seconds.

Josh Hughes was smartly away with Joker and looking good.

Stephen Lee was right on his transom with Flasheart and these two led the fleet out into the sound.

Just after the start, Mark McRae demonstrated his sailing ability when he deftly retrieved his crew who had fallen overboard from Sicarius.

Camera IconFlasheart well ahead of Joker at the finish. Credit: Des Beeck

He lost some time but rejoined the race and finished the course.

Neil Worrell continues to impress with Zuri and filled in third place for the majority of the outing.

Peter Bane decided to get back into racing with Dunluce and although not setting the world on fire will benefit from being out there.

Flasheart was still leading when they entered the harbour for the last two legs.

Joker was still trailing but only a few seconds behind.

Zuri wasn’t far off the pace lying in third position and looking good for a place.

Joker tried desperately to close the gap to Flasheart but it was to no avail as Lee found a little more speed heading for the finish line and recorded the coveted first and fastest.

Worrell had done well on handicap to take second place leaving Joker third after his stirring battle with Flasheart.

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