Laser 4000 EuroCup at Bandol, France - Preview
by Thomas Glanfield 17 Jun 2005 13:37 BST
With over 40 pre Entries from across Europe already, the build up to the Laser 4000 Europeans continues. Following the 55 strong European fleet in Garda 04, Bandol 05 is looking set to build on Garda’s success - proving that if you’re looking for a strong European circuit the 4000 is the boat to sail.
With defending champions Doug and Hilary Baker travelling to France to defend their title, it looks as though the bar has been set. But with plenty of competition this year the racing is looking to be fierce at the front of the fleet:
Already entered are the Godfathers of the 4000 fleet - the original “Team Control” partnership of Gotgrove and Gotts. Rumour also has it that ex 470 World champion Pete Nicholas crewed by wife Nicola could be making a surprise visit to see if they can beat their 2nd place last year and avenge their nemesis: ‘The Bakers’. A daring attempt could also be made by Hugh Watson, fresh from his recent victory at Southwold.
But what of the up and coming stars of 2005? Will current series leaders Thomas Glanfield and Kevin ‘The Stud’ Barnard be pushing for the title? Will newcomers and Laser Radial Supremo’s Stothert and Kilsby continue their relentless development? Or will the event prove just short of their peak?
Will Felgate and Gould get it together? Or the strategic partnership of Rix and Alp finally come good? What of Powell and Eden? A recent win and a growing reputation for high wind sailors could prove dangerous if the conditions are right. And who could forget the threat posed by Scottish champions McPhail and Marshall, and the recent coupling of team racing heroes Eaton and Edwards? - Will Eaton get his Mojo back and get back into the saddle or is he just holding on too tight?.
The threat of foreign competition helps to thicken the air of trepidation hanging over the fleet, with the Italians coming in droves and further unknown boats from Holland and France who will have local knowledge to their advantage.
The only thing that is certain is that the competition is going to be reaching boiling point. Combine this with the 4000 fleet’s buzzing social scene, attractive fleet of single young ladies and a bottle or two of the local Vin Rouge, this event has all the ingredients to be one of the ‘greats’.
Stay tuned and watch this space. With the first race starting on the 28th June, reports will be coming in regularly and if you haven’t already booked your place then get dialling as places will be capped.