International Canoe World Championship at San Francisco - Day 5
by Steve Clarke 12 Sep 2014 08:56 BST
5-15 September 2014
Another variation on the interesting weather conditions today, fleet launches in pretty much a dead flat calm to get swept up stream towards the St Rafael - Richmond Bridge.
Wind gradually filled in for a delayed start and then builds within 20 minutes to 18 knots just after the start.
The first beat usually acts as the primary filter with boat and helm tested and any weaknesses are soon made apparent on the first tack. Today the American Willy Clark succumbed to a broken seat having only rebuild his carriage the night before. He appeared mildly irritated as he arrived back at the pontoon and carefully disposed of the remains of his seat under a heavy boot!
A few more breakages today both in body and boat as the Bay tests all aspects of the teams.
The Americans are still in control in 1st and second place but the British are still within shouting distance with Robin Wood in 3rd and Alistair Warren in 4th.
For more information and race results, go to www.richmondyc.org or www.regattanetwork.com/event/8306#_home. For more information on the International Canoe Class, go to www.intcanoe.org.
More photos can be found at ic-worlds.jimdo.com/fotos and www.rockskipper.com/Sailing-Galleries/2014-International-Canoe-Wrlds/Tuesday-September-9/44230442_JJxNrw#!i=3525770982&k=DL2wGr2.