“Dragons” 2K in Venice, Final Day.

Winners of the 2K in Venice, Kasper Harsberg, Grant Gordon (Helm) & Ruairidh Scott.

After three fantastic days of 2 Boat Team Racing in Venice the overall winners were the Team of Grant Gordon, Kasper Harsberg and Ruairidh Scott who finished with 7 wins from 9 races…  An excellent display of tactical awareness, boat speed and a great understanding of working as a “Team” with a variety of partners.

Close racing in Venice as Teams battle 2 verses 2 to try not to be the “last” boat to finish !

The runners up overall were Javier Scherk, Javier Aguado & Gustavo Lima, who held the lead after 2 days, with 4 wins from 5 races, a very impressive display of “Team Racing”. However, by losing one match on the final day their “percentage” score dropped slightly, so this very happy team had to settle for 2nd place.

Javier Aguado, Javier Scherk (Helm) and “Olympian” Gustavo Lima runners up overall.

The event was organised by Alberto Sonino who represented both the Vento di Venezia and Compagnia della Vela Yacht Clubs, assisted by many helpers and volunteer’s for which all the competitors were extremely grateful. Principle Sponsors included, the Metropole Hotel, Glenfiddich and Giuseppe Duca.

Close mark rounding’s were the order of the day as Teams try to help their partners keep ahead.

In 3rd place overall out of the 12 competing boats were “Team Stavros” with Graham Bailey at the helm, Julia Bailey and Martin Payne. This team finished the event with 5 wins from 8 races despite being the most penalised team due to some over aggressive sailing on day one 🙂

The “Yankee” Flag is waved by Julia Bailey after slight contact was made during a “Hook” !

3rd Overall Graham Bailey (Helm), Julia Bailey and Martin Payne..  “Team Stavros“.

However, the main priority at this inaugural event was “Having Fun” as the Dragons were extremely well receieved in Venice blending in nicely with the magnificent surroundings and wonderful backdrop of the most historical buildings…. There is no doubt the “Dragons” will return in 2016 as overall co-ordinator Klaus Diederichs is already drawing up plans with Bruce Hebbert the number one expert in 2K “Team Racing”. Bruce was also the first person to start “On-the-Water” Judging back in Sevenoaks in 1994. Each morning he gave the 12 competing teams a great insight into the requirements and skills of 2 Boat Team Racing, which certainly improved all the sailors knowledge and encouraged every team to make sure they are included in next years event to do battle once again in Venice….  🙂

Higher, Faster, Longer….     (with your Team Mate)   Stavros.