RS800 European Championship at Circolo Vela Torbole - Overall

Day five began with a lingering Northerly wind causing a postponement on shore. Much debate was had amongst the Garda veterans about what was going to happen with the breeze. There was plenty of speculation that the day was not going to happen although it was probably more a case of wishful thinking from those not wanting to fall down the leader board.

After about an hour's wait the breeze came in and it was all on to decide the championship. Race one got interesting off the start with a group of boats hooking up into a bit of breeze from the left and managing to sail a lift all the way over to the cliff. Frances and Tom stormed through to take the win over the Jenkins and, despite a boat breakage, managed to effectively wrap up the championship with a race to spare.

Race two was a short affair with some ominous looking clouds in the distance halting racing after one lap. Andy and Ali Jeffries continued their impressive form over the second half of the regatta to come through for a 3rd place, jumping them ahead of Stevie Wilson and Rory Hunter on the leader board for 2nd overall.

So Garda is over for another year and it did not fail to deliver. Great breeze every day with a super high standard of racing. There were seven different race winners from ten races. A great time was had off the water as well - both the bar at the sailing club and Winds Bar were certainly visited a few times over the five days!

More photos from Elena Giolai: www.facebook.com/pg/circolovelatorbole/photos and from Emma Grayson: www.flickr.com/photos/182855316@N05/with/48362775591

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 20th Anniversary Nationals in Eastbourne! Visit event website for more information.

Next up is Rooster RS800 National Tour event at Lyme Regis Regatta 3-4 Aug. More info available here.

Overall Results: