International 14 Worlds - Prince of Wales Cup

After an enforced lay day early in the week we were all hopeful for something of a breeze for the big one.

The forecast wasn’t anything to get too excited. It was a relief to go to the beach at 9 30 and see that a reasonable South-easterly was blowing and there were no sign that it was to burn up.

The Race Officer aimed for a mid-day start and all the boats were on the water in good time. There were the usual panics before the start. Roger Ewart-Smith & George Wright had boom problems and had to go in and change it – they did well to make the start. Lindsay Irwin & Rob Oshlack forgot a harness and returned for it however their performance was below par for them and they retired anyway in the second half of the race.

The mid-day start was achieved but only to be followed by a general recall.

The second start was for real but Pete Harper & Andy White were over the line and incurred the black flag.

The wind was a force two, Sou-easterly for the first beat. Zach Berkowitz & Karl Baldauf were there first. Up with them at this point were Chris Turner & Peter Bagwell, Andrew Penman & Ian Turnbull, Charles Stanley & Sam Gardner.

By the end of the second beat it was different. Zeb Elliott & Dan Johnson were in the lead marginally ahead of the title holders Colin Goodman & James Storey. This was the beginning of the real battle. Zach was in third place but a distance back. Up with him was Paul Bieker with Newbrook . Tuner and Bagwell had slipped to fifth.

At the third windward mark the lead positions had changed with Goodman leading Elliott. Goodman did well to avoid a capsize hoisting after the mark. The Americans hung on to third and fourth paces.

At the fifth windward mark Goodman was still in the lead. Charles Stanley & Sam Gardner were up to third ahead of Zac. Chris Tuner has dropped back to ninth.

By now the wind was freshening to force 3 and had moved around. The sea was getting up. Zeb Elliott & Dan Johnson moved into the lead. Andy Fitzgerald and Tim Hancock moved up to fifth and Grant Geddes and Craig Watkin made a bid for the Australians and came up to seventh.

The final run was likely to be hairy but by now there was no doubt as to the winner. Zeb Elliott & Dan Johnson had established a good lead and they never looked like throwing it away.

This is a race to win and the pair are worthy champions. After the race Zeb was the first to speak highly of his crew, Dan Johnson. Dan, a former 505 champion had been sailing with Zeb in Fortyniners, in fact, they had only had four races together in a 14.

Of course it’s a bonus that Zeb has been a member of the Beer Club since 1993.

Zeb and Dan were the winners to-day but Colin and Jamie ran them close for most of the race.

Prince of Wales Cup Results:

More Information:

YachtsandYachting.com International 14 Page