Lavery, O’Brien second at Largs

Updated on 20 Jul 2012

John Lavery and David O’Brien, racing their new boat for the very first time, took second place in the first race of the UK Nationals at Largs today. Alan Green and Ben Mulligan placed 13th, while Dave Mulvin and Ronan Beirne finished 19th.

33 Flying Fifteens came to the start line at Largs for the first day’s racing of the Allen Flying Fifteen Nationals.

After a short delay, a SW breeze of 9 knots filled in, and the fleet was away after one general recall. Sailing on a big course to the North of Cumbrae, competitors split left and right, but at the front at the windward mark were Robert Hogben and Glyn Morgan.

Racing was tight among the top five in particular, and the race was shortened to finish after a single triangle and sausage. The short running leg to the finish after the leeward mark gave opportunities to overtake, with some opting to gybe and clear their air.

But emerging just ahead as the leading bunch crossed the line were Charles Apthorp and Jonathan Clark, having snatched the race lead three quarters of the way down this final short leg. They were followed immediately by Ireland’s John Lavery/ David O’Brien, who had just launched their new boat today.

Leaders for most of the race Robert Hogben/ Glyn Morgan had to settle for third. One race was sailed today in this first day of the Allen Flying Fifteen National Championships as per schedule, but two races are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, before the Championship concludes with a single race on Monday.