36th Student Yachting World Cup at La Rochelle - Day 2

Nocturnal sailing during the 36th Student Yachting World Cup at La Rochelle © Icarus

Spectacular nocturnal sailing

Spirits were high on the second day of competition, as many participants woke up thrilled at the idea of a night race. The crews were briefed during the first light of the day, but weak wind forced the organizing team to put off the start of the race until the afternoon. The Grand Surprises only set course for the open sea at 2.30pm.

The afternoon started off with two short races. The 5-knot wind quickly shifted in the midst of the first one. The Canadian team managed to make the best of this change and finished the race on the top of the podium.

The crews didn't even have the time to catch their breath: it was already time for the night race. Many participants had never set sail at night in competition conditions and this experience was long awaited. It was truly a sight out of this world: the Grand Surprise boats slowly and smoothly emerging out of the darkness, making their way under the renowned bridge of Ile de Ré.

Unfortunately, the Japanese team had to forfeit during this last race because their mast light was not functioning properly.The nearly simultaneous arrival of the different crews after the three-hour race was a wonderful yachting moment that ended with Ireland crossing the finishing line first.

The participants then gathered around hot-dogs that were well-deserved.

Leaderboard after Day 2:

1 Team Wessex
2 Team Canada
3 CIT
4 LUCVoile
5 England
6 Team USA
7 Ruaridh Wright
8 Team Japan