Harris and Byron second at Albacore International after Day 1

by Alan Henderson - fofoboat PR on 19 Jul 2009
52 Albacores came to the start line at Largs for the first day’s racing of the Benromach Albacore Internationals. The fleet enjoyed a short practice race, then the first Championship race in exciting winds of 15 to 18 knots.

There were several capsizes during a short practice race, sailed on a single triangle, on the race area to the North of Great Cumbrae. NW winds brought sizeable waves to get the Championship off to an exciting start. Winners of the Practice race were Jerry Rook and James Wallace, from Allan Measor and Richard Piercey in second.

After some relaying of the course, the first Championship race was under way, this time sailed on an old Olympic triangle. But this time there was an all new top three. Will Gulliver and Steve Graham (Northampton SC)
led to the windward mark from Chris Turner and Simon Maguire (Tynemouth SC). Gulliver maintained his lead to the finish, while the current holder of the Internationals title, Barney Harris and David Byron (Potomac River Sailing Assn) from the USA, managed to overtake Turner to take second for a good start to their Championship defence. Harris and Byron managed to fix a broken kicking strap during the race, and still take second.

Gulliver declared himself 'very very pleased' after his win. He confessed to last sailing at Largs way back in 1985 at the RYA Youth Nationals. That year he won both of two practice races, then promptly had a week to forget. Today he hadn’t forgotten his lesson, and although leading the practice race, he decided to peel off rather than risk a week’s bad luck. A win in the first Championship race was his reward.

After a good day’s racing, competitors, who are mainly from the UK, USA and Canada, enjoyed a whisky tasting evening courtesy of Championship sponsor Benromach.

Result, Race 1

1. Will Gulliver & Steve Graham, Northampton SC
2. Barney Harris & David Byron, Potomac River Sailing Assn, USA
3. Chris Turner & Simon Maguire, Tynemouth SC
4. Judy & Paul Armstrong, Scaling Dam SC
5. Neville Herbert & Mark Booth, Ipswich Haven YC

For more background on the class see our website www.albacore.org.uk