RS800 European Championship at Circolo Vela Torbole – Day 1

by Martin Orton on 26 Jul 2016 “The Holiday is over”...so said the President of Torbole yacht club as he encouraged the 24 boat fleet of RS800s to launch despite there being no release flag in sight. The fleet, having swapped noted on the fastest and is best (37 hours) journey times to get to Garda were only to keen to oblige.

The first race started in a southerly, twin trapeze breeze with those heading right benefitting. Jack Hawkins/Rory hunters tacked off the committee boat and were quickly pursued by Martin Orton/Ian Brooks and Tim Saxton/Fiona Hampshire. Andy and Allyson Jefferies worked their way into contention and with a slick gybe at the last spreader mark pulled up to second. Luke/Emma McEwen recovered well to trail Tim home in fifth.

The wind had swung slightly for race two and the question was whether to go for the cliffs or hunt for wind up the mid-left side of the course. Jack/Rory crossed the fleet on port from the pin end but were then conned by the excellent pace of the McEwens into believing left was paying. Meantime Tim/Fiona had started on the committee boat and had tacked off immediately showing great pace.

At the windward mark it was Tim/Fiona followed by the McEwens, David Pike/Nick Jerkins and Martin/Ian. Positions remained the same for the most of the race except that Andrew Blundell/Maddie Fenner pulled through to fourth with Martin/Ian battling Chris Dodd/Birthday girl Bryony Meakins and Paul/Peter Jenkins to just hold onto fifth.

A great start to the event with sun and 10-15 knots breeze, hopefully as warm-up for more wind during the week.

Overall after two races:
1 Tim Saxton/Fiona Hampshire
2 Luke/Emma McEwen
3 Martin Orton/Ian Brooks