Day 2 at the ACO MUSTO Skiff World Championships dawned with little wind and plenty of sun. This led to a postponement by the race team which allowed the class to host a skippers meeting.
Justo Martinez (ESP) gave a presentation to the fleet detailing the next Worlds to be held in Palma; followed by Wayne Bates (AUS) who talked through the plans for the 2018 Worlds to be held in Blairgowrie; Australia. The fleet then went through a few minor technical details with class builder Chris Turner from Ovington Boats who is present to support the regatta.
The meeting the postponement was soon dropped and the fleet launched into a 6-8knot breeze.
After a short delay race 4 was started in 6 knots; the boats that went to the right had a little more pressure and at the first windward mark Sergei Samus (GBR) lead from Ian Trotter (GBR); these two just making the first mark seconds before the first mark time limit of 20 minutes kicked in …
As the leaders headed off down the run the chasing pack parked up as the wind disappeared; this was soon followed by the race officer abandoning the race to be restarted.
The wind was really challenging the race team with opposing breezes working against each other. However, race officer Jérôme Nutte’s patients eventually paid off and at 3:50pm he set up for the start of race 4.
The fleet were keen to get going after the delay and the first restart under U flag was a general recall. So next start the black flag was out which was also a general recall; this mean the competitors made the dreaded sail behind the committee boat to view the blackboard. 5 numbers were listed including the 2nd and 3rd overnight; Alex Knight (GBR) and George Hand (GBR).
The fleet split after the start but the leaders came in from the right and at the first mark it was Andi Lachenschmid (GER) from Andy Tarboton (RSA) and Daniel Henderson (GBR).
At the first leeward gate the race team adjusted the next windward mark to lengthen the course. The fleet mostly headed right looking for the stronger breeze and at the windward mark Lachenschmid (GER) still held the lead with Henderson (GBR) now in second from Tarboton (RSA) in third.
The final run was a nailbiter for Lachenschmid as some of the chasers split and Henderson pressed for the win … however at the finish Lachenschmid (GER held on for the wind.
The fleet then returned to shore after a long hot day on the water; the free pasta and beer were very welcome for the returning sailors.
Tonight the fleet, hosts, partners and sponsors will be enjoying the gala dinner at the Carnac Casino.
Tomorrow was scheduled as a lay day but given we are behind on the race schedule will be changed in an attempt to catch up on the schedule.
