J Class at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo - Day 4
by J Class Association 6 Sep 2013 14:06 BST
1-7 September 2013
After what was a very sunny, and peaceful lay day it was somewhat of a surprise to awaken to a rumble and the heavens opening on today's third day of racing (day 4 of the event) for the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Was it then a fortuitous sign that against the clearing dark clouds a rainbow could be seen above the hills behind the YCCS?
This was very much Rainbow's day, " We finally started ahead and took the top mark", explained Jeroen De Vos, the upwind trimmer aboard, "From there we were able to extend our lead on the other two J's to whom we have to give time to – it's all about positioning, you have to finish (and start) in front!" This was the first time she had taken line honours andwon on corrected time. The crew were jubilant as the yacht pulled onto the dock; however were on tenterhooks to see whether this was good enough to beat Velsheda who had followed her most of the way, and sometimes overlapped round the 31 nm coastal course.
Rainbow had beaten Velsheda on a corrected time by a close 14 seconds, "We all felt that we were able to do it, but haven't as yet been able to pull it off", continued Jeroen, "it feels good!"
This was certainly a well deserved win, as Tom Dodson Velsheda's Tactician said, "It takes time to settle in and two years down the road Rainbow have done it. In theory 14 seconds could have been found here and there over the course, however Rainbow did a great job at keeping us back and we are very pleased for her."
Ranger had a reasonable start today, they tacked over early and went right making the top mark in second place and in "good shape" according to Erle Williams, Ranger's helm. Despite the big lead on Velsheda, Ranger just didn't have the legs and both boats were able to stretch away. "These light airs have been a bit disappointing, it is not often that conditions have been continuously this light – this is just not our regatta". This doesn't stop the Ranger crew's high spirits, "We continue to do our best and everyone is enjoying themselves in 'paradise'."
Tom put Velsheda's change of fortunes on the second leg to a good gybe set at the first top mark. "After a bad start and tangle with the Supermaxis, and not a great first beat we were able to turn this around – before we knew it we were well ahead of Ranger and close to Rainbow". It seems that Velsheda definitely benefitted by going offshore where there was more pressure and a shift or two.
The wind weather rating was called on the last leg of the race as 'medium', as there was a mix of light (6-7 knots) and medium (9-14 knots) conditions. "This was a good call", stated Tom, "however, if it had been classed as light it could have meant that we [Velsheda] could have won on corrected time."
Rainbow's win today is further proof that competition is both fierce and friendly within the J Class – everyone is very pleased with her result. Probably no one more than the Owner, who helms the downwind legs. "Today was the best day's racing ever!"
Racing continues Friday and Saturday with two more coastal races.
Follow the racing live and replay races via TracTrac or see the full results