Sorrento second day of qualifying for the worlds.

The qualifying races are to decide the fleets for the finals.

The compeditors are divided into two fleets,The first 80 go Gold and the second 80 go silver.

Most of our mob made the gold fleet which is an achievement in its self.

Today the wind returned with a vengeance ,starting about 15 knots it built to about 22 at times.

This suits the skilled sailors and the super fit ones.Many struggled especially when the tide changed half way through the third race.

Added to the fact that many were noticeably tiring when the Pro put a fourth race.

I suspect they regretted their decision later as there were probably 50 boats in the water with the tide against the wind with the last quarter mile to the club the worst to negotiate through the many moored Couta boats with menacing bow sprits.They were laying stern to the wind with 20 knots .

They had many pickup boats which one would think would have been sufficient but Moths are very difficult to handle once capsized.

The current here is strong enough to push you to windward when it gets going.

It took more than two hours to get them all in.Some ashore all along the local beaches.

The rescue boat crews did a marvelous job under very difficult conditions.

All accounted for.

I think the damage will be considerable , Charlie Connor for instance has a very difficult repair job to do.

Rob had a pretty ordinary day,fortunately it has not effected his score too much.

I have included  shot of Andrew McDougal the father of the modern Moth.

Also the first part of the Gold fleet.

The standard has risen dramatically since I last saw them racing,the depth of talent is truly amazing.

The inclusion of the Americas Cup people etc is helping to lift the standard.

The finals start tomorrow so watch out!