Dart 18 World Championship at Royal Varuna Yacht Club - Day 1

Dart 18 Worlds at Royal Varuna YC day 1 © Sarka Ngassa

A sunny day with the full scope of skills required for the spectrum of wind which filled in to 15 knots plus from the south.

With winds steadily rising the first race was marked by patchy winds requiring the ability to read the wind. The first race favoured the lighter crews. The overall results were therefore not predictable.

Dart 18 Worlds at Royal Varuna YC day 1 - photo © Sarka Ngassa

There is now a clear favourite in the form of Dave and Louise Roberts who came first in both races followed in second place in both races by the dark horse of Gareth Owen with his very competent crew Hebe Hemming. Further down the fleet the Thai favourite Damrongsak and crew Kitsada Vongtim finished with a creditable 8th place, remarkable because a week ago they had never sailed a Dart 18 in competition. In the second race the first three places were taken by former world champions.

Dart 18 Worlds at Royal Varuna YC day 1 - photo © Sarka Ngassa

Special mention should be given to Joffan and Georgie Garcka, Georgie being the youngest competitor at 12 years old. They were ahead of Dave and Louise Roberts in the closing moments of the first race and should have come in first, but Dad misread the finish line.

Still all to play for with a further 8 races in the week ahead.

Results after Day 1: