RS100,700 & 800 Europeans at Fraglia Vela Riva - Day 4
by Elena Giolai 19 Jul 2012 23:30 BST
16-20 July 2012
Magic Marine RS100 Europeans day 4 © Elena Giolai
On the penultimate day of the European RS100, 700, 800 Championships, the best possible conditions returned to Trentino Garda. Conditions that have rendered this northern-most stretch of Lake Garda famous throughout the world.
The wind and high pressure, thanks to the 'Venturi effect', blew in from the south all afternoon at times with high intensity. In contrast with the timid start at the weekend, which saw thunderstorms and a sharp drop in the temperature causing short,light breezes, today everything was back in range. Winds were of 20 knots which dropped slightly in today's second regatta then picked up again to around 18-20 knots.
This put some of the crews of the RS fleet in difficulty bringing the event, organised by Fraglia Vela Riva to life. This event is valid for the European titles for the singlehanded RS100, and 700 and the doublehanded RS800 classes. Let's hope there is some energy left after today's 3 gruelling races (8 in total), to enjoy the party organised for the participants in the historic centre of Riva del Garda!
Realising the fatigue of some of the participants,(many of whom were unable to finish the races), the Regatta Committee decided to shorten the course by 2 turns in the 3rd and last race of the day.
As far as the competition is concerned, there aren't many surprises in the medal area in respect to the previous days.
RS100
The first three positions are unchanged with Paul Childs always first to cross the finishing line. The same goes for Australian Jon Holroyd in second place always placing second in 7 races except in race 6 when he submitted his place to Mark Harrison currently lying in third place. The rest of the pack appear to be too far back to have any chance of reaching the podium.
RS700
In the other singlehanded class, the RS700, the race for first place is almost a forgone conclusion with Alex Newton clearly in command after a string of firsts. He has stretched his lead to 7 points over Jerry Wales (5 seconds and 3 thirds). The other Brit, Ian Nolan is in a solid third place and could very well make a bid for second place in the last races tomorrow since only one point separates him from Wales. It should be an exciting battle!
RS800
The competition is a bit more fired up in the doublehanded RS800 class, even if the lead is solidly in the hands of Brits Stevie Wilson and Alain Sign who with straight first are headed towards winning the title. The second and third places are a bit more animated where there will be battle to the final race for 3rd place. Comfortably in second place are Hivey-Barlow with a 7 point lead over their adversaries but there are no less than 4 crews within reach of the bronze medal. James Date and Toby Wincer are in third place at the moment (today they had good third and second partials but a dnc in regatta 7). They are, however, equal on points with Jeffries-Allin, who didn't perform so well today (2-8-9-). One point behind are 2 other crews: Schooling-Kingsnorth (8-2-6 today) and Kilsby- Bridgen (5-5-3). A mention also for an excellent third place in regatta 7 for Ed Chapman and Sarah Martin and a 4th for Oli and Anna Woods.
Tomorrow the last 2 races start will be held as usual at 12:30 followed by the award ceremony at the Fraglia Vela Riva clubhouse.