(Denarau Island, Fiji) Challenging racing and close finishes defined the second day at the Oceania Laser Masters Championships. Today the sky was dark and menacing with low clouds, and at times heavy rain and extremely high humidity. The fleet set out on the water with intermittent rain, 5–9 knots, and a temperature of 30ºC. At the finish of the first race, a big rain squall came through and cooled everything down.
Australian Brett Beyer is still in the lead, after scoring a DNF in the first race (currently his drop race) of the day, and a second-place finish for Race 4. New Zealand’s Dave Ridley has climbed into second overall after kicking off Day 2 with a seventh, but securing a win in the final race of the day. Martin Koning of the Netherlands is only one point behind Ridley overall, after claiming Race 3 and securing a fourth-place finish in Race 4.
The leading Laser Standard Grand Master is currently still Rob Muru of Canada, in sixth place overall. The leading Great Grand Master is Richard Ineson of New Zealand, in 19th overall.
In the Laser Radials, Grand Master Roger Winton of New Zealand has held his position atop the leaderboard, with only four total points over four races. Great Grand Master Geoff Kohlman has slid into second place overall, only one point ahead of Corinthian Viliame Ratulu of Fiji and Australian Legend John d’Helin.
Two races are scheduled for tomorrow.
Top 5 Results
Laser Standard
1. Brett Beyer – AUS – 4 pts (Master)
2. Dave Ridley – NZL – 7 pts (Apprentice Master)
3. Martin Koning – NED – 8 pts (Master)
4. Peter Hurley – USA – 8 pts (Master)
5. Jules Hall – AUS – 17 pts (Apprentice Master)
Laser Radial
1. Roger Winton – NZL – 3 pts (Grand Master)
2. Geoff Kohlman – AUS – 8 pts (Great Grand Master)
3. Viliame Ratulu – FIJ – 9 pts (Corinthian)
4. John d’Helin – AUS – 9 pts (Legend)
5. Robert Vine – THA – 11 pts (Apprentice Master)
For more information, see event site and full results.