Cadet Worlds at Buenos Aires, Argentina - Practice Race
by David Elliott 29 Dec 2009 10:07 GMT
26 December 2009 - 4 January 2010
Cadet worlds practice race © Yacht Club of Argentina
The GBR team launched early in rain and 20 knots of wind which soon became 5 knots with an uncomfortable chop. The Worlds practice race started 40 minutes later than planned in a force 2-3 (7 – 12 knots) at the third attempt under a black flag. Conditions were challenging as the wind fluctuated in strength and swung in direction by over 40 degrees throughout the race.
Practice race superstition was prevalent as many of the leading boats believe that it is unlucky to win this race and chose not to finish.
The GBR boats were all focussed and performed well in the high quality fleet. Sophie Dingwall & Chris Sycamore (Fishers Green/Royal Corinthian) occupied second position with Chris Brewer & Ollie Alcock (Parkstone) in sixth. The top end of the fleet also comprised two boats from the strong Argentine team as well as boats from the Czech Republic and Belgium. Will Kennedy & Ross Hawes (Fishers Green/Royal Corinthian/South Cerney) climbed the fleet to tenth place whilst Abigail Croft & Matthew Shorrock (Frensham Pond), Arthur Henderson & Matthew Currell (Salcombe/Parkstone) and Max & Francesca Ingall (Fishers Green) all showed good speed and improved positions following difficult starts. Jess Quinlan & Alex Warrington (Royal Corinthian/Thorpe Bay) suffered some gear failure today, a good thing to find out in the practice race so that is now properly fixed.
In the Practice Race for the Promotional Fleet, Mary Henderson & Ben Shorrock (Salcombe/Frensham Pond) finished third.
RYA coach Adam Bowers was pleased with the team’s focus and effort and looks forward to a strong GBR showing in the Championship, the first races of which start today (Tuesday) at 12 noon.
Full results can be accessed at www.cadet2009.yca.org.ar/Section.aspx?Id=1142
The GBR team received significant support from sponsors for this event. These include the RYA, the UKNCCA, The Cadet Youth World Sponsorship Fund, Henri Lloyd, Magic Marine, East Of England Co-operative Society, EMC Advertising Gifts, Jimmy Green Marine, Pinnell & Bax, Pulse Insurance and Rooster Sailing. The team send their thanks to all their supporters.