4000 Eurocup & UK Nationals 2019 at Royal Torbay Yacht Club sponsored by Stroma & Rooster Sailing

27 teams from the UK, France, Italy and Belgium made the journey to the English Riviera for the 2019 Eurocup/UK Nationals hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club (RTYC) and a great event it turned out to be. This year was the first time in the class's history that the Eurocup was held in the UK and to help put on a good show the event was sponsored by Stroma and Rooster.

After some champagne conditions during the practice days, the wind blew in a bit hard on Day 1 and after much deliberation the prudent decision was made not to send the fleet out in 25kn+ building breeze. So, racing adjourned, focus turned to cream teas and the social side of things. The first evening was marked with a Commodore's reception in the club followed by an excellent BBQ and time to catch up with our foreign competitors.

Day 2 saw much more favorable conditions, and with winds between 8-12kn the fleet made its way into the bay for four hotly contested races. Race 1 was taken by Duccio and Giovanni (ITA 4683) who lost no time in setting the pace after their victory in the Italian Nationals. Cedric and Anthony (FRA 4468), last year's champions, took race 2 with race 3 going to Duccio and Giovanni again before team Tylecote took the fourth race in GBR 4281. Special mention to John and Fran (GBR 4588) who would have won the Duckham's, if it still existed, after inadvertently berthing their 4k amongst the yachts in the marina rather than landing at the more traditional slipway.

4000 Eurocup & UK Nationals at Torbay - photo © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

Following racing a games night was put on in the club with the theme of fun and giant games. These consisted of connect 4, Jenga, twister, tick tack toe, to name a few. Although the clear favorite was the boat racing across the floor of the bar. There were a lot of takers keen to win and get a chance to win some of the excellent prizes provided by Rooster.

4000 Eurocup & UK Nationals at Torbay - photo © Richard de Fleury

Day 3 had five races planned to catch up the missing races and head off what was a light forecast for the final day. This was always going to be a long day and a decider. And indeed, so it was; in lighter conditions than Day 2, Duccio and Giovanni never dropped out of the top 3 and cemented a commanding lead whilst Steve and Sarah (GBR 4562) consistently finished strongly with Trevor and Adrien also acquitting themselves well (EUR 4423). By the end of the day some more consistent sailing saw some more familiar names at the front of the pack.

The social for the evening was the traditional Euros Gala dinner. The club did us proud and produced an excellent meal enjoyed by all. During the dinner Tim Litt gave some details to the visiting fleets of the 4000 Match Racing which he is running at Rutland Sailing Club. If you want to know more, please get in touch via the 4000 web page.

4000 Eurocup & UK Nationals at Torbay - photo © Richard de Fleury

Day 4 delivered more sun and light winds, but more than enough for racing allowing the Race Office to get the full series of races in despite losing the first day. Duccio and Giovanni continued to demonstrate winning pace, whilst David and Lenny (GBR 4568) clearly mastered the conditions to score three top 5 finishes whilst returners John and James (GBR 4104) finished their event on a high note with a victory!

4000 Eurocup & UK Nationals at Torbay - photo © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

It is noticeable that over the last few years the quality of the sailing in the whole 4000 fleet has increased significantly proving to be a challenge for sailors of all calibre. Small mistakes were punished hard and recovery sails very difficult. It was also clear from the results that the weight equalization system is still second to none as crews of all weights were doing well in all conditions. If there was ever a draw to get people back into 4000s the quality of the racing should speak for itself but, if that is not enough the ridiculously cheap boats should be. Thanks to the class support from Rooster, you can get all parts required to dig out a boat, clean it, and join us. Next year's Euros are currently planned for mid-July in Sanguinet, France.

This year the fleet was particularly pleased to welcome some newcomers and some old faces back. It was great to see the draw of a major event attracting people to the class either for the first time or a second go around.

4000 Eurocup & UK Nationals at Torbay - photo © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

Huge thanks to RTYC for hosting the event, to Bob Penfold and race team for his excellent Race management and to Jo and Richard de Fleury from the UK Class Association for doing so much getting the event organized. Thanks also to our event sponsors Stroma and Rooster who helped provide discounted entries, entertainment, pictures, technical support and prizes.

Congratulations to Duccio and Giovanni on adding the Eurocup to their recent Italian National victory, to Steve and Sarah Cockerill on their second place and to team Tylecote for third. Congratulations also to Steve and Sarah on regaining the UK National title. See you in Sanguinet next year, or if you're in the UK at one of the remaining events on the circuit - see www.4000.org.uk.

Overall Results: