TUR 1212 “Provezza” Andy, Simon & Ali, still lead overall after 3 races in Cascais…
Day 2 of the World Championships in Cascais began with a more gentle wind from around 300 degrees and quite a strong current running from right to left across the course. This allowed boats the opportunity to lee bow on starboard tack, whilst other’s were assisted from astern on port tack. Making a good tactical decision to minimise the amount of time they spent on port was the current World Champion Yevgen Braslavets helming UAE 7 “Bunker Prince”, who was first to round the top mark.
UAE 7 “Bunker Prince” lead down the first downwind yesterday in Race 2 of the Championship.
As the race continued UAE 7 came under immense pressure from TUR 1212 helmed by Andy Beadsworth who was keen repeat his victory in race 1. Eventually it was the “Provezza” team who prevailed to win the race with UAE 7 2nd, followed by GER 1151 “Puck IV” Philip Dohse 3rd. This was a very positive fight back by Philip & his wife Nicola, with Volker Kramer & Christian Motler as a fault with their Genoa halyard block forced them to retire in race 1.
The 3rd race of the Championship started around 4pm in a building breeze which saw crews busily changing headsails and adjusting rig tensions. The line was set with a considerable pin bias which had many teams fighting desperately at the port end of the line. However, it was GER 1162 “Desert Holly” helmed by Stephan Link, crewed by Frank Butzmann & Michi Lip who recognised an opportunity to start at the committee boat and go all the way right.
GER 1162 “Desert Holly” win Race 3 of the World Championships in Cascais.
Although boats from the left side looked to be in good shape, when GER 1162 tacked it became obvious that the advantage was indeed inshore and so Stephane and his experienced team were able to cross the 70 boat fleet and lead at the top mark.
The fleet sailing in towards the mountains of “Sintra” made for a spectacular view…
Also making good gains inshore was UAE 9 “Desert Eagle” helmed by Henrik Witzmann, crewed by local hero Henrique Anjos & Markus Koy who eventually finished 2nd followed by RUS 27 in 3rd. With this 3rd place Anatoloy Loginov is now on equal points (12pts) with the leaders TUR 1212, but behind on the score sheet as Andy Beadsworth and his team are counting two race wins.
Keeping up the pressure are RUS 27 Anatoly Loginov, Vadim Statsenko & Alexander Shalagin.
It’s still early days as 7 more races are scheduled however, the breeze maybe too strong for a race on Thursday so the Race Management will be keen to complete 2 more races today. The start time has been moved forward to 12.0.
Higher, Faster, Longer…….. Stavros. (JPN 50).