J/70 European Championship at COYCH Hyeres - Day 3
by Julie & Christopher Howell 15 Sep 2022 09:55 PDT
12-17 September 2022
2022 J/70 European Championship at COYCH Hyeres - Day 3 © Christopher Howell
Spectacular conditions allowed three races for the middle day of the J/70 European Championship in Hyeres France. Winds began at an average of 8 knots, but came on beautifully during the second contest, ending around 17 knots.
Six races are complete, with the discard now in effect. Richard Witzel's Rowdy (USA) surged to the overall lead, tossing a 32, and ending Thursday with 33 net points. Top Corinthian Ahmet Eker's Eker Kaymak (TUR) is lurking only one point behind in second place. Jonathan Calascione's Calypso (GBR) compiled consistent scores on the day to move into third place at 37 points and also commanding the One-Pro Division. Laura Grondin's Dark Energy (USA) is always in the hunt, currently in fourth place.
Sunny skies returned Thursday along with continued warm temperatures. The leaders in the opening battle were Nick Phillips' Chaotic (GBR), Enrique Freire Faria's Marnatura (ESP) and Tommaso de Bellis Viti's Five for Fighting 4.0 (ITA). Witzel's Rowdy made their move in the next match, keeping Thomas Studer's Jerry (SUI) and de Bellis Viti's Five for Fighting 4.0 behind. As the breeze piped up for the last race of the day, Calascione's Calypso thrived, ahead of Jorge Martinez Doreste's Can Marles Car Solutions (ESP) and Craig Burlton's Spitfire (GBR).
Forty-one boats are participating fully amateur and 19 with one professional, out of 88 total. Nineteen nations are on hand: AUS, BRA, DEN, ESP, EST, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, ITA, MEX, MON, NED, NOR, POR, SUI, SWE, TUR, USA.
Racing continues through Saturday. Complete results may be found here.