33rd Student Yachting World Cup - Day 1
by Icarus Sailing Media 15 Oct 2013 22:26 NZDT
14-19 October 2013
The Student Yachting World Cup has definitively started! At Pornic, the first races have taken place, a leader is known and everybody will battle him in order to be the next World Champion... The program of the day was three windward leeward courses and a coastal race.
The first race was the opportunity for everybody to take their boat in hand. At this game, the defending team witnessed they have fierce opponents this year. France led the first race. Behind them, Switzerland and USA fought to complete the podium. The defender crossed the line fourth.
The second race started as the first questions were emerging: Is Kedge Business School, the French crew, too strong? Is anyone able to challenge them? As everybody was expecting them, this second windward leeward race put a lot of pressure onto France, they crossed second but were OCS. It has been the perfect occasion for the Scottish crew to reveal its teamwork and to finish first. Belgium and Ireland have been able to follow the new leader and to get the second and third rank.
The good weather and nice wind conditions allowed the organizers to launch a third windward leeward race. Once again the French team dominated the race and finished first. The defender is struggling for their trophy as they finished sixth. The American team got back on track, finishing third.
The last race of the day, and the first coastal race, was the best way to differentiate them. But everyone was aware of the importance of this last race, as it was also the first one counting for the AGPM trophy! Once again, the French crew struck a blow. This third victory has definitely placed France as a serious competitor for the title. But this race has also revealed other crews, such as the Australian team. Despite an average result at the previous races, they managed to put right their organization and to hit the second place.
This day has been quite animated. As a first approach to their boat, many crews have been able to get the best they could. Even though the French Kedge Business School has hit the top today, the race to the title is long run. They put pressure in other strong opponents still no doubt everybody will struggle tomorrow to earn the most desired trophy and the World Champion Title.
www.sywoc.org