Article/Video shoot: Rick Perkins
Video Edit: Nick Hollis
Photos: Tania Samus http://www.photoskiff.com/
RIB Driver: Paul Manning
Video Music: Barry Shotton
First day of racing at the Worlds
:: Report from 26/06/2012
Prince Charles visits WPNSA on
the first day of racing of the ACO Musto Skiff Worlds.
As the ACO Musto Skiff World Championship
sailors readied for launch for the first formal race,
the fleet were pleased to form part of a tour of the
venue by Prince Charles.
The start was delayed to allow the fog
to clear and the breeze to stabilise.
The fleet started first time with an individual
recall and a number of sailors chosing to restart to
keep their scores …
Up the first beat there was a big split
as the 104 boat fleet spread over Weymouth Bay, it was
not clear which side would profit but as the fleet converged
it was Giacomo Giovanelli (ITA) who lead from Ed Chapman(GBR)
followed by a very tight bunch … the places changed
extensively as the race developed but Giacomo held on
to record a memorable win from Richard Stenhouse (GBR)
who pulled through with Frithjof Schwerdt (GER) in 3rd.
Then the rain started, but the fleet were
undeterred (except the AUS & ESP teams who were
unimpressed with the fine UK conditions).
The first start of race two was called
back as a general recall. The fleet then started under
black flag at the second time of asking, however 9 boats
fell foul of the dreaded BFD.
At the first mark Dylan Noble(GBR) lead
from Ben Schooling (GBR) and Nigel Walbank (GBR). The
fog then thickened making sighting of the lay lines
challenging down the first run, with the fleet rounding
the leeward gate very tightly.
The race officer shortened course to finish the fleet
at the windward mark. At the finish it was Roger Oswald
(SUI) with the win, followed by Nigel Walbank (GBR)
in second and Nicolas Duchound (SUI) in 3rd.
The fleet were then sent ashore as the
fog had thickened to such a point that it seemed sensible
to call it a day.
At the end of the first day Stenhouse(GBR)
leads from Nigel Walbank (GBR) and Dan Vincent (GBR).
At this stage the Musto Skiff Ashes look to be staying
in England.
Tonight the IJ will be busy but
not too busy whilst the rest of the fleet enjoy a curry
night and quiz.
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