Round 3 of the Fat Face-sponsored RS700 circuit took place in everything from sun to heavy rain, calm to Force 5 last weekend at Queen Mary SC.

Andy White came away comfortable winner but the race for 2nd overall went right down to the wire.

Saturday’s conditions proved testing for those new to the boat or rusty from the winter lay-up and so boat handling proved to be the biggest issue to get right. Andy White showed the fleet a clean pair of heels in the day’s three races but had to fight to win race 1 from Irons after a last minute dunk. As the day went on the wind increased so race 3 saw the fleet charging around in a Force 5.

Sunday saw a wet Force 4. Race 4 saw Freer get clear but it was never really far enough to feel safe. On the penultimate round the wind died to ghosting conditions and it was Irons and White who had sailed furthest left who picked up the new breeze first and passed Freer.

Race 5 was held in light, wet conditions with Rous, Irons and White ahead of the rest. White found the front but by the finish it was these three who all finished quite closely. The race for 2nd place overall was still wide open, Albrecht, Rous, Irons and Freer could all have still get the runners-up slot so race 6 was crucial.

Rous timed his starting run well and picked to the first mark led nicely from Freer and Irons, leading until an unforced gybing error put him in. Freer and Irons passed to finish 1st and 2nd while a quickly recovering Rous got 3rd from Albrecht.