Howell leads fleet

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 6

Howell leads fleet

The largest fleet of yachts for many years is contesting the annual Graham Mander P class five-race series championships on the Avon-Heath-cote estuary in ideal conditions.

The over-all leader after two races, Mark Howell, sailing Aphrodite, could manage only second place in the Second race yesterday, finishing behind a Dunedin visitor, Stephen Reay, sailing Shadow Fox, who dominated the contest.

■ Though Shadow Fox was headed at the start by Aphrodite, and Salty Dog, skippered by Gavin Brady, of Timaru, Reay was first round the top mark to hold a narrow 4s lead over Salty Dog. At the end of the triangle, Shadow Fox picked up time to be only 2s down. However, on the windward and leeward lap, Shadow Fox increased the lead over Aphrodite who moved into second place to finish 35s ahead.

The first race of the series, held on Tuesday, attracted 22 yachts and was dominated by Aphrodite, which overtook Alistair Rowlands in Barnacle to be up 45s at the first leg. At the completion of the triangle Aphrodite extended the lead to two and a half minutes, and was never threatened from then on, winning by five minutes. Results:

Race one (22):— Aphrodite (M. Howell, Canterbury Yacht and Motor Boat Club) 1; Barnacle (A. Rowlands, Canterbury), 2; Salty Dog (G. Brady, Timaru), 3; Expectation (G. Simpson, Christchurch Yacht Club), 4; Chappy (C. Simpson, Christchurch), 5.

Race two (23):— Shadow Fox (S. Ready, Ravensbourne Yacht Club), 1; Aphrodite (M. Howell), 2; Salty Dog (G. Brady); 3; Crime Time (D. Lamb, Christchurch), 4; Chappy (C. Simpson), 5.