After a day with no sailing due to mych wind – day 3 of the 2022 5.5 Metre World Championship at Hankø was definitely a day of two halves separated by a wet intermission. Race 3 was started in a solid 15-18 knots and huge waves, which eased through the race.
Though the day started windy with 25 knots on the course area, it was forecast to moderate through the day. Jean Genie (GBR 42, Elliot Hanson, Andrew Palfrey, Sam Haines) had legs out of the start and led all the way until the closing stages when Artemis (NOR 57, Kristian Nergaard, Johan Barne, Trond Solli Sæther) sailed through as the wind dropped to 5-7 knots. New Moon II (BAH 24, Mark Holowesko, Christoph Burger, Anthony Nossiter) took third.
Then a huge storm cloud passed over, bringing unstable conditions and a few showers, as well as a two hour wait. Finally the breeze returned from the west and quickly built to 17-20 knots and huge waves. The same three boats were close at the top mark while Jean Genie and New Moon II broke away downwind. Jean Genie favoured the right on the second upwind to lead down to the finish for her first race win of the week. New Moon II took a very close second to extend their lead at the top from Artemis and Jean Genie.
Top three after the four first races:
1 – BAH 24 «Team New Moon» Lyford Cay Sailing
With Mark Holowesko, Christoph Burger and Peter Vlasov
2 – NOR 57 «Artemis» KNS
With Kristian Nergaard, Johan Barne and Trond Solli-Sæther
3 – GBR 42 «Jean Genie»
With Elliot Hanson, Andrew Palfrey, Sam Haines
Full results here: https://www.manage2sail.com/…/986fac28-ab5a-4b0c-907e…
Full photo gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fivepointfivemetre/
Photos and text by Robert Daves – 5.5 metre Class
