Farr 30 World Championship 2010 - High drama on the seas

by Carole Abbott on 31 Oct 2010 Farr 30 World Championship 2010, day three, and there was an unexpected drama to deal with between races 8 and 9. The Race Committee boat sank, which is a first for this Class! But in France and with COYCH being the organiser, a substitute committee boat was found within 30 minutes and racing was not delayed. Oh, and by the way, I had better say that the Race Committee was rescued and continued their duties admirably.

Strong winds came in after yesterday’s balmy 15 knots of breeze, clear blue skies and perfect conditions. Today the clouds were dark, the sea choppy and wind strengths increased to a steady 25 knots. On most days the Farr 30 enjoys a good blow and so do the crews, the upper wind strengths do not deter these steadfast boats.

Races one and two of the day were tucked away nicely by Courrier Dunkerque. Their crew handling, after many Tour de France a la Voiles meant that the variety of weather experienced this week had all been seen before.

Orca, Patrick Lindblom SWE, was the master of the first three races of the 9 race series, when winds were gentle and he admitted that these conditions favoured him. However, as the wind picked up over the next two days, he recorded seventh, eighth & ninth, which is respectable for someone racing in his first class event.

Nouvelle Caledonie, Bernard Malleret FRA, with Vincent Portugal, kept nudging Courrier Dunkerque by never dropping lower than seventh, but there were 10 points between these two boats with one race left to complete.

Unless Courrier Dunkerque followed the committee boat for an early bath, it was safe sailing for Daniel Souben. Alternative Helmsman has been Pierre-Loic Berthet, Farr 30 World Champion at La Trinite Sur Mer in 2005. They charged on with their dominance and gained first place in the final race of the series, second- fourth – ninth – first – first – first – first – first – first.

Erik Maris returned to the Class after a break since Porto Cervo in 2007. Hyeres is his preferred racing location and having become World Champion at Miami in 2006, even with a second, a third and a fourth, being 10th in race 8 brought him to the middle of the fleet overall.

I overheard Deneen Demourkas, Groovederci USA say yesterday she had no fear having heard about today’s forecast of 25 knots. She was correct, she didn’t. Her determination to make gains at every opportunity showed no backing down.

Pending protests, the overall results are:
1st Courrier Dunkerque, Daniel Souben FRA (21)
2nd Nouvelle Caledonie, Bernard Malleret FRA (35)
3rd Ville du Port Region Reunion, Gabriel Jean Albert FRA (42)
4th Saint Laurent de Maintenance, Laurent Charmy FRA (44)
5th Orca, Patrick Lindblom SWE (51)
6th Twins, Erik Maris FRA (51)

The 2011 World Championship will be held in the USA.

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