Start of Race 1 of the Ski Voile, run by the Societé des Régates, d’Antibes-Juan les Pins
Two races were completed yesterday for the 25 boat fleet in the wonderful surroundings offered at Juan les Pins in the South of France. The sun shone and a small amount of “varied” wind drifted across the race course from time to time. There were mixed fortunes for many teams as although the left side of the first beat paid in both races, a number of the fleet had a good race and a bad race…. Some of us even managed to have two bad races 🙂
Winner of the first race was RUS 35 “Sunflower” helmed by Victor Folgelson, crewed by Slava Kaptiykhin and Oleg Khoperskiy who made his initial gain from the left side of the course after making an excellent start from the middle of the line. Victor then extended his lead over the two up wind and two down wind legs to finish comfortably ahead of RUS 27 Anatoly Loginov, crewed by Vadim Statsenko and Alexander Shaligin in 2nd and SWE 372 Johan Larson, crewed by Katie Larson and Patrick Aucour in 3rd.
In race 2 the left side of the first beat paid again and this time it was our new IDA Chairman Vasily Senatorov helming “Even Better” RUS 34 crewed by Igor Ivashintsov and Slava Varnachkin who got it just right to take the lead. This top team extended their lead as the wind came and died to finish well ahead of the fleet taking their deserved victory. In 2nd place was FIN 85 “Thouban” helmed by Christian Bourenius, crewed by Chris Winter and Richard Permici followed in 3rd place EST 17 “ABB FUN” helmed by Mihkel Kosk, crewed by Niklas Jansson and Yulling.
However, the early leaders in the Club House are the ever consistent GBR 801 “Alfie”, helmed by Lawrie Smith, crewed by Tim Tavinor and Joost Houweling who recorded a 4th and 7th place which gives them a 2pt lead.
Three more races are scheduled today (Saturday) and for sure there will be more sunshine in the testing conditions for these lucky Dragon Sailors enjoying themselves during January !!
Higher, Faster, Longer……………….. Stavros. (GBR 789).