RS100,700 & 800 Europeans at Fraglia Vela Riva after Day 3
by Elena Giolai 19 Jul 2012 11:43 BST
16-20 July 2012
RS700 Europeans at Lake Garda day 3 © Elena Giolai
On the third day of the European RS100, 700 and 800 Championships, Trentino Garda delivered its customary windy conditions with an 'Ora' (southerly wind characteristic of Upper Garda) of 14 knots which lasted the entire afternoon and allowed 3 fine races to be concluded. Five races have been completed in total with the elimination of the worst race being put into effect.
Everything is going well at Fraglia Vela Riva with 70 RS dinghies in three classes. The European title will be awarded on Friday, the last day of the event. Sun, wind and warm temperatures are the characteristics of Trentino and of Upper Garda in particular, which in addition to sailing offers numerous outdoor activities and gastronomic specialities that are not to be missed. All these ingredients are being appreciated by the participants of this event which is held every 2 years at Fraglia Vela Riva thanks to the technical organising coordination of the RS Racing class.
Yesterday's 3 intense races have confirmed the standings defined at the first race in all 3 classes. In the RS 100 class, the battle announced yesterday between Great Britain (Paul Childs) and Australia (John Holroyd) has the Brit ahead, who apart from a 6th (discarded), has notched up 4 firsts altogether. He has a 4 point lead over Australian Jon Holroyd with an almost “boring” 5 seconds places. Further behind by 8 points is Mark Harrison. David Gorringe had an excellent win in race 3 (the first of today) and is in 5th place overall.
In the more demanding RS700 class it is still Great Britain dominating the field. Alex Newton isn't leaving anything to chance and has altogether notched up 4 firsts after a second place in the opening race on Monday. In second place, 4 points behind is Jerry Wales (3-2-2-2-2) and third is Ian Nolan, winner of Monday's first race and 2 thirds today and a no start in the last race.
It's the same story in the RS800 class with the British crew of Wilson-Sign taking all firsts, apart from an OCS in today's first race. Jeffries-Alin are 2nd, six points behind and showing consistent form with a 4-3-3-2-2 scoreline. Third place seems to be the one that could change with 4 crews within reach of the bronze medal.
The conditions on the first two days, (with only one race each day), were perhaps more preferable for some participants. With fewer races they had more energy to enjoy the night-life! With sport and merriment as well as a good dose of technical skill, we look forward to the start today at 12:30 for another three races.