RS700 European Championship at Lake Garda - Day 1

RS700 European Championship at Lake Garda - Day 1 © Jamie Gettings

It was a tricky day's sailing today, the first day of the International Championship for the RS700s. Competitors were grateful for an inner loop but the lack of a leeward gate was strange to some. The course was set almost in the middle of the lake which made it a tough decision to go bang the cliffs as per usual or to head up the middle of the lake. With approximately 12-14 knots from the South and 36 degrees on the sail out it was shaping up to be something special.

Race one clearly showed that heading to the cliffs was the answer with Richard Wadsworth and Matt Carter being the first out that way demonstrating huge gains from being in pressure whilst the likes of Jerry Wales and Milan Hajek who had gone further left were struggling for power. However this was not a foregone conclusion as by the time boats were coming within the vicinity of the windward mark the wind dropped off to sub 10 knots and shifting all over the place.

This theme continued downwind with once again more gains to be had heading over to the cliff side. Unfortunately Matt snapped his main halyard and had to head in for a record breaking pit stop but managed to make it back out fighting fit for the 2nd race. A few questionable capsizes and the wind picking up the race ended up a bit of a formality and with the race officer shortening the race to two laps it was a photo finish between Milan and Jerry, with Colin Dacey placing a solid third.

RS700 European Championship at Lake Garda - Day 1 - photo © Jamie Gettings

Race two and the wind had picked back up again with less holes in it. The basic idea from everyone was to start on starboard but to get on to port and hit the cliffs again. Milan had a peachy start alongside Robbie Bell. They were quick to get a tack in and encourage the rest of the fleet that way. Upon hitting the cliffs a few boats were greeted by a yacht trying to get out the way but seriously inconveniencing Milan and Theo Galyer who came off badly trying not to get run down by the fast approaching yacht. After some fairly loud spoken words the race continued. However Robbie had profited highly from the situation and steamed ahead chased by Milan.

A great race for third was had between Richard, Jerry and Theo changing places with Jerry holding more height but similar speed up the second beat. Robbie sailed fast and took the bullet with Milan hot on his tail.

After a busy recovery to shore smiles and stories were exchanged with great anticipation for the three races tomorrow. At this point it is all to play for with a few boats showing good pace.

Results:

RS700 European Championship at Lake Garda - Day 1 - photo © Jamie Gettings