Allen RS Feva Worlds at Compagnia della Vela Grosseto - Day 1
by Tatiana Gammacurta 23 Jul 2013 08:40 AEST
21-26 July 2013
British teams dominate in Tuscany
A great day's racing with 12 to 13 knots of 250-270 degree winds greeted participants on day one of the RS Feva World Championships 2013 which now run until Friday, July 26th at the Compagnia della vela Grosseto. After a wait of around an hour and a half to allow the Marina di Grosseto's usual thermals to establish on the course, the committee gave the off at 13:30 to three races for the three categories (yellow, blue and red) into which the 171-strong fleet is divided.
The first team to emerge as overall standings leader is the British duo Elliot Wells and Jake Todd (GBR 4332) who finished the day on just 5 points thanks to one win and two seconds. In second position are the Italians Margherita Porro and Francesca Andrea Dall'Ora (ITA 2592 - Associazione Nautica Sebina), who delivered a second, a win and a fourth (7 points).
The bottom step on the podium went to another British boat, GBR 1883, fielded by Harvey Martin and William Ward. They clocked up a first, a second and a fifth position giving them a total of 8 points. All in all, the Brits dominated the first day's racing with 14 teams in the first 20 positions in the standings. Of the Italians, Pietro Frazzica and Michele Oppizzi (AVAl - CDV Centro Vela Alto Lario) delivered an excellent seventh position.
Tomorrow, the committee is hoping to run three further qualifiers which will bring the event to its final phase during which the fleet will be divided into Gold and Silver groups. The first start is scheduled for 12:00 on the course just off the Compagnia della vela Grosseto.
Report from Golly Tucker, International Feva Secretary
Elliott Wells and Jake Todd have started the Allen RS Feva Worlds like a rocket and have a 2 point lead at the end of the first day after races. Conditions certainly helped the boys to blast out of the traps with a very solid 12-16kt sea breeze. This kicked in big time after an unusual delay which had the sailors kept ashore. Sweltering but at least shade and water were on hand. An hour and a half late the championship was on.
The format has the 170 boats sailing a two day qualification series followed by three days of Gold Silver and Bronze fleet racing. There is one discard in the Q series that kicks in once the next race has been sailed.
Hot on Elliott & Jakes coat tails are Italian duo Margherita Porro & Francesca Andrea Dall'Ora. In third on a tie break are Bosham's Sophie Hempsell & Emily Covell. The split pair are Ogston's Harvey Martin & Will Ward. There are 2 other non-British boats in the top 10 – 7th Dann Dutilh & Roos v Lookeren (NED) and 8th the hugely improved Andrew and Michela Mifsud (MLT).
The split after tomorrow for the final series fleets comes in at just after those placed in 57th and 114th. There will be keen competition indeed not only for the choccies but also to get in the right fleet – whichever that may be! The carry over into the fin al series will be competitors place at the end of the Q series.
Quotes:
Jop Dutilh, president of the RS Reva International Class: "It was a fantastic day even though we had to wait until after 13:30 for the wind. The committee, however, did a magnificent job to be able to stage three races. It was an impeccable course and a splendid day's racing."
Paolo Testolin, president of the RS Feva Italia class: "It was very satisfying to see so many teams, 22 of them from Italy, at this Worlds. The large number of Italian athletes confirms just how quickly the Class has spread in the last few years, not just worldwide but here in this country too. Naturally, we feel a great sense of involvement because there's an Italian team defending the title and the competition is very strong. Whatever the result, it's a very important experience for all our guys just to be here. I'd like to say a particular word of thanks to the Compagnia della Vela Grosseto for all the work it has done to offer hospitality to the teams and organise the event."
Marco Borioni, president of the Compagnia della vela Grosseto: "Everyone was great today putting down the course and we owe a big thanks to the Club Nautico di Scarlino too. I'm delighted that three of our teams sponsored by Massari/Fondazione Bertarelli, Futura and Vibral Cementi are making their debut in an event of this stature. It's a very important experience for them."
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