Miracle National Championship 2024 at Rutland Sailing Club - Day 4

The fleet obviously whistled too loud for the wind yesterday because today it blew 25 knots gusting 30 so exciting racing was in store.

13 Miracles were on the start line for a hard beat to windward towards the clubhouse, where a couple sort shelter, while the rest of the fleet planed down the reach with one or two casualties at the gybe mark. The pace was so fast that Jon and Jessica Willars nearly beat the mark layer trying to position the leeward mark. They continued to hold the lead to finish ahead of Simon and Vivian Turnball (both lightweight crews) in front of Wayne Atherton and Angela Sweeney sailing to a consistent third place. Paul and Nathan Robinson were hugely enjoying the conditions being rewarded with 4th.

Miracle Nationals at Rutland Day 4 - photo © Brian Jones

10 boats started race 6 with yet more attrition due to capsizes but the race officer was impressed by the general standard of sailing. Simon Turnall carelessly lost his crew during a capsize and had to retire as Vivian was rescued by the rib. Graham Watts and Helen Jacks had a much better race and came fourth. Carolyn and Nick Smith were out wide on the final downwind threatening Jon and Jessica for the lead but wiped out on the final gybe with a couple of hundred metres to go. Marcel and Giuilia sailed a storming race to take second and Andrew Clarke with a borrowed crew had his best result of the week with a seventh.

Miracle Nationals at Rutland Day 4 - photo © Brian Jones

After the race was over Paul and Nathan proved they could outrun a rib!

With the wind strength still building the third race of the day was cancelled, lighter winds are forecast for the morrow. "phew" says a few!

Results after Day 4: