The Sonar World Championship got back on schedule on Tuesday in perfect conditions on The Solent.

In sunshine and a south-westerly breeze between 15-20 knots, American sailor, Dave Franzel from Boston, chalked up another fine win in the first race of the day after winning race 1 on Monday. He followed that with a fourth in the second race then wobbled slightly in the third race as he posted a seventh. Nevertheless, Franzel ended the day leading overall ahead of another American, Peter Galloway with the top British boat, Billy, in third.

The six visiting American teams are showing their skills, occupying four of the top six places but there are still five more races left for the British and European boats to get on terms.

Although Franzel is looking strong, so too is current World Champion Steve Shepstone whose record of a first, second, and third is spoilt only by the OCS he picked up in the first race on Monday. Once the discard comes into play in race 6, he could become a major contender for the lead.

After Billy, the next British boat is We’re Here, currently in fifth place overall. We’re Here is the only boat sailing with five crew, with Anna Bailey joining her Uncle and Aunt, Graham and Julia, as part of the crew, and enjoying time off school to compete at the event.

Another local boat, Jenny, sailed by 1996 Paralympic Gold Medallist and current national champion, Andy Cassell had a poor day with an eighth and two 12th places, which dropped them down the ranking to seventh overall.

In one race Andy Cassell was thrown violently into the middle of the cockpit when the spinnaker sheet jammed as the sail was hoisted, causing the boat to broach. Cassell looked stunned as he lay on his back while the crew attempted to steer and sort out the spinnaker, but he managed to finish the race.

Racing continues today with two more races scheduled.