B14 World Championships at Plerin, France - Overall
by Mark Watts 22 Jul 2013 23:34 BST
10-19 July 2013
New champions steal the day
The final day forecast for more breeze failed to materialise and race 9 got underway in a fluky sub 5 knot northerly... not that the nearly crowned champions of GBR 758 Tim Harrison and Johnny Ratcliffe cared as they led at the top mark and disappeared into the haze to take yet another win.
The battle to secure the rest of the podium spots was however ON and with GBR 788 Mark Barnes/Jeremy Williamson deep in the pack at the first mark the podium battle was down to the two lightweight teams of GBR774 Ben/Roz McGrane and AUS 780 Richie Reynolds/Lisa McMillan. As has been their form all week it was AUS780 that took second place after gaining places on every leg, with GBR 774 taking third to take the event to the wire in nervy conditions with pressure fluctuations and a strong tide.
Going into the final race only 3 points separated GBR774 from AUS780. The form was once again the same with GBR 758 coming through on the beat to just lead round the top mark and sail on to take their 6th win and a remarkable score line. Behind the battle was on with AUS 780 trying to put enough boats between themselves and GBR774.
Ultimately though it was too much and whilst AUS 780 took second on the water GBR774 were strong in third to secure second place overall.
The presentation of the Worlds Trophy and B14 ashes was hosted by local Plerin and Brittany dignitaries with another massive bottle of champagne this time successfully negotiated by Tim and as a rare occurrence, signifying the magnitude of the event, it was even enough to prompt Tim to make a speech and bring a small tear to Johnny's eyes.
Tim Harrison and Johnny Ratcliffe are truly worthy 2013 World Championships showing consistency that no other team could match. The question will be can they retain their title at McCrae YC, Melbourne, in 2015, home club of the one and only Guy Bancroft, who after a relatively poor showing here will be sure to give it his all to bring the Trophy back to Australia and take his third title!
A huge thanks must go to the Centre Nautique de Plerin, the staff, helpers, race team and sponsors for a truly great event that many will remember for wall to wall sunshine, a holiday atmosphere from start to finish and with great racing throughout despite the lack of wind.
Thanks also to the long suffering bar maid Elodie in Le Charly bar for hosting the after-hours fleet partying!
A final special mention to Sophie and Sebastien Le Cam who as French Fleet Captains put in a super human effort to organise the event and without which it simply would not have been the event it was. The fleet thanks you!