420 Junior Europeans - 'The Breeze is on!'

by Rob Burn on 14 Aug 2012
Taylor said as we could see the whitecaps starting to form on the Lake. The church bells were tolling over Riva as we swerved around the guard and slid into a great park at the Yacht Club. The joys of arriving early, plenty of time to make the lunch too ...

Racing doesn't start until 1pm, with launching about an hour before the first start gun. There was more order in launching today but alot more breeze as well, some sailors struggled to get off the ramp with waves breaking over it.

Again Taylor and Oscar were in Red Flight, the third start. I had climbed a large hill to try and get a better view but still couldn't quite make out our boys for certain. By their body positions I thought I could spot them and that they had done well. This was confirmed when I joined up with the British parents with better eyes and binos. The boys had come in at seventh, a good, solid start.

The wind was around 20 knots and appeared to be building. It was from a slightly different direction which meant more cliff work. Afterwards the comment was that we were in the top three but tacked when conventional wisdom dictated was correct, but here we could have got more pressure from getting closer to the cliffs. The knowledge of this racing area is being built on race by race.

The second race wasn't the greatest of starts but sheer boat speed and power got them into second at the Top mark and a mistake by the Italians let the boys into the front and stay there. They extended each leg finishing probably 150 metres in front of the next boat, the red head Riley Brothers, whose parents I was sharing the view point with. The breeze was probably in the 22-23 knot range by then, hard work for the smaller and not so fit.

Tired but happy Campers back in the boat park.

For those who haven't seen the results, the boys are now in 18th (from 113) , well inside the Gold Fleet so far and the good thing is they have the largest 'drop' to come after the fifth race tomorrow. All going well, this should put them well up there.

Jim Saltenstall held another 420 Masterclass while we all munched on our after racing pasta. The Class start was delayed as the sailors, and more than a few of the coaches, were closely following the practice session of the regional Miss Italy pagent next door at the open air restaurant. The whistling and cat calls drowned everything out.

We have had rain and lots of wind so far tonight, but are hoping for more of the same great wind tomorrow. Taylor and Oscar have proved themselves up there with the best of them.

Glad everyone is enjoying the Postcards, many thanks for all the good wishes and as always, a huge thank you to our sponsors and supporters.
Make sure you check out the photos and video on the website
Happy sailing
Rob