British Team at the IFDS Blind Match Racing Championships - Day 3
by Lucy Hodges 13 Sep 2014 08:56 BST
9-14 September 2014
Sheboygan weather stayed cold but the winds were up to 10-12 knots with the rolling waves still rolling into shore which would make for interesting sailing.
GBR had three races to complete in their first round Robin. A short course meant that a good start was key and shifty winds out to the left hand side of the course meant that all boats had to keep a good feel for the shifts and ensuring that the waves did not knock them off course.
GBR's first match was against Italy's Dinilo with both boats entering clean. GBR gave a good chase to try and gain a penalty, but with no success both boats headed up for the start. GBR had a clear two boat length lead that kept the Italians behind in dirty wind. GBR sailed a good clean race, managing the waves and the conditions with great boat speed which saw them finish with a great lead.
GBR went into their next two races with the winds and waves staying the same. GBR finished their second race with another good lead. This took GBR into the final race of the first round robin with confidence. GBR had a slight tangle with the electrical equipment and jib sheets but keeping calm, sheets were cleared and allowed them to tack and return and enter in good time. GBR engaged with Italy seeing a close port, starboard and a shout of protest but the umpires ruled no penalties. GBR had another clean race with great speed, and good calls of lay lines saw them take a final win finishing the first round Robbin on 100%, with Australia on 80%.
A great start to the regatta from GBR dealing with the changing conditions each day. Tomorrow sees the two categories split into their respective flights and race for a further two round Robbins.
Again a big thanks to Ian Shirra for providing great information pre-start on the conditions across the course which when racing with no or limited sight is invaluable.