Yes Campers, the sun shone, the dolphins played, the wind blew strong and the sailors battled. It was a tough day “at the Office” on this first day of the Grade 1 Juan Carlos Trophy organised by the Club Naval de Cascais. In the first race POR 50 helmed by Pedro Mendes Leal got the “jump” on the fleet with a late right-hand shift at the top of the first 1.5 mile beat. With the wind shifting through 40 degrees at times, it was great to see these magnificent boats comfortably deal with the rough conditions as they pounded through the waves with salty spray hitting the motivated eyes of all the determined sailors…..
So when POR 50 rounded the top mark and set spinnaker they extended their lead from the chasing pack. Surfing down the waves is an awesome experience and the ones that get it right, can make huge gains as they sail lower than others, but risk the “death roll” that can cause all sorts of problems… GER 1123 with Tommy Muller at the helm and his “Bavarian Dream Team” of Lip and Hoesch sailed well to close the distance on the leader, pumping on every wave both the spinnaker and mainsail with all their strength. Also sailing well was Jens Rathsack MON 2 helming his new Petticrow “Jeanie” who battled hard to finish in 3rd place behind POR 50 and GER 1123…
In race two, the conditions were not getting any easier and it was time for Philip Pechstein to show his skill as he helmed the “Bear” GBR 767 into a comfortable lead at the top mark. On the downwind leg the “Bear” rolled a little too much to windward and the spinnaker pole hit the water bending it beyond repair. However, with conditions as tough as they were it was quite easy to set the spinnaker without a pole as his crew Philipp Blinn held the guy out as far as posible to keep it flying.. Whilst I held on to the sheets and put on my “brown Trousers” 🙂 On the third and final beat POR 47 helmed by local expert Henrique Anjos closed the gap on the leader, as did GBR 758 Klaus Diederichs helming “Fever”and Rui Boia helming POR 46. But none of them would have foreseen what would happen in the final moments of the race……
With Pechstein (GBR 767), only one tack away from a superb victory only metres from the finish line, another Dragon tacked too close and caused a GBR 767 to “crash tack” and loose all speed.. This happing went to protest and the offending boat was DSQ, but Philip Pechstein was robbed of his win and had to settle for 4th place. Taking full advantage of the situation were POR 47, POR 46 and GBR 758 who finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in that order. An exciting end to a brilliant day’s sailing in a magnificent part of the world……
Higher, Faster, Longer……. Wiser Stavros. (GBR 767).