J Class at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo - Day 5
by J Class Association 7 Sep 2013 14:59 BST
1-7 September 2013
As the 3 J's prepared for their fourth day of racing in Porto Cervo, there was a good breeze funnelling through the dock at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda – described by a couple as a 'harbour hurricane' – time would tell whether similar conditions would be found on the actual race course or whether this was just a localised effect.
This indeed did bode well for a good day's racing; Peter Craig the Principle Race Officer stated "we're going to see double digits out there" as he called the course. All fleets, bar the Wallys, were to sail the same coastal course number 23 with an inflatable mark to windward of the start. This was a clockwise course down through the Straits of Bisce, through bomb alley and round the islands of La Maddalena and Capera.
The Race Committee have done a fantastic job this week, everyone appreciating the early course calls and good communication "it makes for safe racing, regattas are not always like that, there are some where the start line is called late and then the entire fleet charges to ping the line – it's a joy to sail here in Porto Cervo."
The J's start was at 1205, Rainbow went tight to the committee boat and crossed the line safely. This set them up well, "Congratulations go to the tactics team, not just for being the first of the J's to the top mark, but for also being the first out of the starting fleet to the mark" summed up Roeland Franssens, the crew boss on Rainbow, this was quite a feat considering that this includes the 5 Supermaxis – including Firefly and Inoui, which are lighter and quicker.
The same could not be said for Ranger, "it was a pretty average start" said Kelvin Harrap Ranger's tactician, this was a slight understatement considering Ranger were early into the line and had to bail as they couldn't kill time before the line. They were third round the first mark but chose to take the inshore route, which played out to their advantage – and coming up to the straits of Bisce, Ranger looked to be ahead of Velsheda who had followed the same line in as Rainbow.
Down the infamous 'bomb alley' Rainbow were able to stretch ahead, leading Ranger with Velsheda hot on their heels. Sailing conditions suited Rainbow, with an average of 10-12 knots topping 15 at times and flat water. The wind rating for the day was called as medium.
"There weren't many passing lanes today," verified Richard Searle aboard Velsheda, "we were pulling out all the stops out there trying to get that vital edge, even cutting a few corners." Considering that there are many hidden hazards, some gutsy calls were made with on more than occasion the call out "stay low, hold on – it's shallow out there!"
There was some fantastic match racing to be seen between Ranger and Velsheda, "it was exciting stuff playing the shifts and currents through the islands" described Kelvin, "we had to defend our lead all the way home as Velsheda are faster." Coming into the final mark Velsheda was right on Ranger's tail, "we both decided to gybe set, which can be a complicated manoeuvre – there was a lot of pressure to get it right."
Rainbow got both line honours and first place on corrected time, a convincing three and a bit minutes in front of Ranger who beat Velsheda by a close 35 seconds. More smiles from the Rainbow crew, well expressed by the Owner "Yesterday was the best day of my life, but today is even better!...I'm very happy, it was perfect."
Fifth and final day of racing tomorrow – Saturday – Rainbow leads by one point after yesterday's success, but with a discard available if five races are completed the competition is on between Rainbow and Velsheda for podium position (and the coveted Rolex!).
Results after Day 5:
Rainbow – 2,2,1,1
Velsheda – 1,1,2,3
Ranger – 3,3,3,2
Follow the racing live and replay races via TracTrac or see the full results