Monkey Marine Prince of Wales Cup Runners and Riders
by Sam Pascoe 24 Aug 2014 11:12 BST
27-31 August 2014
Riva Cup 2014 © Elena Giolai
I will get the arrogant bit out the way first. Glen Truswell and I started sailing together in March. Having won every event this year bar the Euro Cup, which we did not go to, we are definitely are faster in 8-12 knots but quick across the wind range. We do have a habit of falling over in breeze as I am used to being the helm.
Archie Massie and Harvey Hillary: Archie is a four-time World Champion and won the Euro Cup this year. He likes a bit of breeze and has a habit of banging the opposite corner to get out of trouble. They are going much better this year with Archie's magic boat under them, but have had a run of 2nd places.
Ben McGrane and James Hughes: Not been seen since the Easter tray event and probably should have won that but for some issues with the kite getting stuck at the top of the mast. Ben has won 3 crewing and 1 sailing with James. Although we haven't seen much of them, by the power of Facebook we know they have been training hard and raiding P&B for upgrades.
Those are my 3 bets that can put a solid series together. The list below are just as fast and as POW is one race are always worth watching:
Andy and Tom Partingtion: Heavy wind kings. New boat this year which has either won or retired.
Doug Pattison and Mark Tait: Won it last year and came good by the end of the Europeans 2 weeks ago. Not sailed much this year as Mark has had a kid. The love the light winds. The fleet is always scared when they are out on a corner as they have a habit of flying in at mach 10.
Andy Fitzgerald and Richard Dobson: Bought Rob Greenhaugh's boat for the Worlds last year and joined the pointy end of the fleet with it. They love port tack flyers. Andy has been sailing 14's since time began and goes well in any wind baring it blowing a hooley.
The event kicks off with the Commodore's Reception on Tuesday night, kindly supported my Monkey Marine. The all important POW Cup Race will be taking place on Saturday out in Weymouth Bay – weather permitting!