Close second in skiff for Gisborne's Lucy Millar

RUNNER-UP: Gisborne yachtie Lucy Millar finished a close second in the national skiff sailing championships in Lyttelton Harbour at the weekend. Here she is in action at the front end of the 21-strong mixed Gold Fleet. Picture supplied

Open skiff sailor Lucy Millar from Gisborne finished a close second in the female division of the national championships sailed at Naval Point Yacht Club in Lyttelton over the weekend.

The event attracted 41 entries in two divisions raced over three days.

Courses were sailed in close proximity to where next year's inaugural Sail GP event will be held and the fleet was even graced with the arrival of a small pod of Hector's dolphins.

Sir Russell Coutts was there and dedicated Thursday's sailing to full-on coaching.

Lucy's father Peter Millar said Thursday's racing was held in blustery conditions that led to many cartwheels and some gear breakages.

“Day 1 ended with Lucy 10 points behind Wellington sailor Elana Keall-Neches,” he said.

“Day 2 saw three more races and Lucy closed the gap to three points. She needed three wins on the final day to take the title on countback.”

Lucy won the first and third races convincingly but a second placing in Race 2 meant she finished second overall.

The top two competitors were 15 points clear of third-placed Valentina Gladiadis from Manly Sailing Club.

Peter Millar said it was a bonus to have Lucy placed third overall in the under-17 mixed competition.

“All other competitors have the bonus of fleet racing at their clubs, so for her to have a creditable podium finish is a reflection on her dedication and the time she puts in on the water here,” Millar said.

“She has another shot at the female title in the Bay of Islands in February next year.”

Lucy's twin brother Jake will contest the Interprovincial Sanders Cup this weekend at Lake Rotoiti, sailing against local Javelin legends Colin and Ross Shanks.

“Lucy and Jake will race in their class of yachts in the upcoming North Island Championships in Napier in a couple of weeks,” Peter Millar said.

“Both would like to thank their major local sponsor, Eastland Port, for supporting them.”