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International 14 Gorge Regatta

by Andy Penman 11 Aug 2004 07:49 BST

The Gorge regatta is a legendary feature of the International 14 calendar. It is North America's Garda, in the shadow of 11,000 feet Mount Hood's year round skiing, where the west wind generated by the hot desert inland is funnelled by the cliffs above the Columbia river, normally. This year an unhelpful system brought rain then light winds for two days but delivered a vintage conclusion with 25 knots and more from the east giving big waves.

14 boats from the fleets in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego took part with representatives from the GBR, France, Canada and Western Australia fleets. Most of the fleet were Bieker 2s several now 8 years old but still light and now sporting t-foils. This year some RMW boats have been imported from the UK and there is a Seattle building programme for Bieker 5s, the new 'very fine forward and flat aft' design first seen at the Prince of Wales Cup in July.

Three boats showed consistent pace and success in dealing with the shifts in the 5 light races on Friday and Saturday. Andrew Penman (GBR)/John Vince (CAN), Bieker 3 with Bieker mast and Alexander/P&B sails, led from Chris Henderson/Guillaume Vernieres (Bieker 2 & Irwins) with Kris Bundy/Jamie Hanseler (Bieker 2 & Alexanders) several points adrift after kite launching problems in races 4 and 5. Later Henderson played bass in Saturday night's band "Hoist".

Sunday's conditions were similar to a big day at Garda. The overnight leaders together with Steve Goodson/Alan Diercks again made the running with Bundy scoring 3 bullets. Penman hung on just enough to win a very close series by one point from Bundy and two from Henderson. Penman and Vince also added their names to the Gorgeo Bastardo trophy for the series with no discards.

Thanks to the Columbia Gorge Racing Association for running the event at a great venue.

Overall Results:

1 Penman/Vince
2 Bundy/Hanseler
3 Henderson/Poisson frere Vernieres
4 Goodson/Diercks
5 Ted Rogers/Tim Burks
6 Brad Ruetnik/Todd Czarnecki

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