Dart 18 European Championship at Mumbles Yacht Club - Day 1
by Ria Woffinden, MYC 19 Aug 2014 23:03 BST
18-23 August 2014
Dart 18 European Championship at Mumbles day 1 © Simon Jenkins
Day 1 proved to be everything we were all hoping for wind, action, exhilarating sailing and even a touch of sunshine.
After a 1hr postponement due to the high winds the night before you couldn't see the sky near the slipway for sails and anticipations for the day ahead were high. With a north westerly wind of 13 gusting 20 knots you can understand why.
Race 1 was underway with everyone remembering what good friends they were in the bar last night producing an clean start. After a couple of sailors being caught out by gusts on the upwind beat and taking a swim the race went well with John and Ginny Peirce taking first place.
Race 2 friendships forgotten, there was plenty of jostling and cries of "Starboard!" on the start line with one boat OCS it all went well. Some of those with younger crew were finding that the cold and strong winds were getting a little too much and retired along with the odd damaged sail or broken batten, but with 63 boats finishing there was still plenty of competition.
Second place from race 1 Dan Norman and Jenni Donovan came romping home in first to secure their place at the top of the overall leader board.
The evening culminated with a pasta party and the usual deliberations of the day in the bar
With the wind looking to stay a good 12knots Tuesday is looking to be another exciting day of sailing.
See photos on flickr
dart18europeans2014.org