David Gilmour's crew in action. Image copyright John Roberson.
by John Roberson
Australian skipper David Gilmour has reclaimed sole ownership of the top rung of the ladder at the end of the third day of the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta, putting in a good performance to win five of the six matches he sailed.
Commenting on the day’s performance he said, “we felt really comfortable with our speed in the heavy stuff, but also when it was light we were much happier with our starting.”
Gilmour is two points clear of the joint second place holders, David Chapman of Sydney, and New Zealander Will Tiller, who won this event last year.
The fourth place in the semi-finals goes to another Sydneysider, Evan Walker who won last week’s qualifying event, the Colin Mullins Regatta.
Gilmour also came out on top at the end of the round robins in last week’s event, but suffered badly in the light wind final, something he is hoping to avoid on Thursday, “hopefully we won’t choke like last week, our goal now is to make it through the semis to the finals,” he said.
“We’ll be happy in the light winds, we’ve improved a lot over the week, we’ve really gelled as a team,” he added.
Gilmour’s crew are Garth Ellingham on mainsheet and tactics, trimmers Jasper Warren and Adam Negri, while Luke Payne is on the bow.
The day started with a long delay because of the light and unstable easterly breeze, but at lunch time the fabled Fremantle Doctor sea breeze came in solidly, building to over 25 knots as the afternoon progressed.
The Warren Jones International Youth Regatta is being hosted by the Royal Perth Yacht Club, and organised by Swan River Sailing.
RESULTS:
1. David Gilmour AUS 18pts
2= David Chapman AUS 16pts
2= Will Tiller NZL 16pts
4 Evan Walker AUS 13pts
5 Seve Jarvin AUS 12pts
6= Tristan Brown AUS 9pts
6= Matthew Steven NZL 9pts
8 Peter Nicholas AUS 8pts
9 Kosaku Yoshida JPN 3pts
Warren Jones regatta
