Another British Champion in Toronto this weekend
by Gilmour Manuel on 17 Aug 2010
8 Metres in action Eight Metre Class
North American 8 Meter Championship.
There was another British champion in Toronto on Sunday.
The 8 Meter yacht Lafayette owned by Murdoch McKillop of the Royal Northern Yacht Club in Rhu and crewed by fellow members captained by Allan Manuel won the North American Championship sailed on the waters of Lake Ontario in a five race series. Interestingly, first place classic boat Raven (Pandora of Rhu) was built in Rhu at the Bute ship yard and its first owner was at the Royal Northern YC.
Their main opposition was Sarisa owned and sailed by Ralph Reiman of the Etobicoke Yacht club. The event was sailed in predominantly light winds which favoured Sarisa the 2006 world champion which has been optimised for light lake sailing. With two wins each Lafayette had to prevent Sarisa winning the last race. At the start of the final race both boats were called over early and had to return but as Sarisa had fouled Lafayette she had to do a penalty turn which gave the advantage to Lafayette.
The race developed into a fantastic match race between the two boats Lafayette sailing Sarisa down the fleet. On the fourth and final down wind leg Lafayette held off Sarisa to claim second place by four feet and claim the championship. In a weeks time the Scots will try to defend their World Championship at Royal Canadian Y.C.
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