FAST40+ Race Circuit Round 2 at Royal Motor Yacht Club - Day 2
by Louay Habib 15 Jun 2019 22:49 BST
14 June 2019
Poole Bay delivered more feisty weather for the FAST40+ Class for the second day of racing, with the breeze topping out at close to 20 knots, and driving rain for most of the day.
Principal Race Officer Stuart Childerley, moved the course axis from Day One, accommodating a more southerly wind direction for three more windward leeward races. The last race of the day, had an energy sapping extra beat, testing the stamina of the crews. Niklas Zennstrom's Rán was yet again a dominant force, scoring three more race wins to win the regatta with a race to spare. Peter Morton's Girls on Film, had another good day, scoring a 2-2-2 to clinch second place for the regatta.
"I know I speak for all the class when I say it is has been wonderful to come back to Poole, we have been made very welcome," commented Niklas Zennstrom. "After racing so hard, it is great to come to the club and enjoy such a beautiful setting with excellent hospitality. Many thanks to the organisers, and especially all the volunteers, which have endured tough conditions on the Committee Boat and the mark laying ribs."
With one 'cannon ball race' back to Cowes, a tremendous battle for third will go to the wire tomorrow. Tony Dickin's Jubilee score a 5-3-3 today to lift them into third on countback ahead of Ed Fishwick's Redshift. Filip Englebert's Elvis, was storming along in Race 5, until their kite caught on their bow on a leeward drop. However, other solid results keep the Swedish team just a point off third. Steve Cowie's Zephyr dropped out of the top three today, after retiring from the last race today with sail damage.
With a firehose of water smashing down the deck, Tony Dickin is right in the firing line helming Jubilee. As the front man with all the crew astern, Tony was underwater for much of today's downwind action. "He just loves it," declared all of the Jubilee crew. "Tony wouldn't have it any other way."
Ed Fishwick is making his debut in the FAST40+ Class racing Redshift: "It is just an incredibly good feeling going that fast - just spectacular racing. We knew we were coming into the class with a lot to do, but it is simply so much fun."
After racing, the FAST40+ Class enjoyed drinks at the Royal Motor Yacht Club followed by a crew supper at the Edinburgh rooms with a superb panoramic vista over Poole Harbour. Andrew Pearce, from the host club is a former FAST40+ owner, and has been instrumental in organising the regatta. Andrew was roundly applauded by the FAST40+ Class. RMYC Vice-Commodore Graham Turner presented Niklas Zennstrom with the winners trophy, and welcomed Peter Morton to accept the runner's up award. Third place for Round 2 of the FAST40+ Race Circuit will be decided after tomorrow's race back to Cowes conditions are expected to be lively!
Official website: fast40class.com