B14 World Championship at Circolo vela Torbole, Lake Garda, Italy - Overall

by Paul Roberts 22 Jul 2023 15:59 BST 17-21 July 2023

Lightning strikes twice as Wattsy and MJ win

The fleet awoke for the final day to a very mixed forecast. The final day showdown looked set not to happen due to a spectacular lightning display that kept the fleet ashore putting on a show that only Garda can produce including watching a yacht in the club harbour being hit by lightning and catching fire! With the 3pm last possible start it was an anxious wait for the storm to clear but with minutes to spare the fleet were sent out for one final race.

We started in 10-12kts of northerly breeze with it all to play for throughout the top 10 boats. With a port bias line 3 boats hit the pin end at speed and shot across the fleet heading towards the right of the track. With slightly more breeze on the left the boats to tack early away from the point were first to get to the top mark. AUS 378, Paul and Leigh led all the way round to take the win and secure 4th overall, in hot pursuit was AUS375 Garmo and Paul who needed the win to move up the podium. Excellent results throughout the week GBR788 Tony and Jamie took a well earned third and secured 8th overall.

Meanwhile at the back... Nick Craig and Toby had latched onto Mark and MJ at the warning signal and we're keeping the Jury boat busy in their own private tussle, eventually starting they followed the fleet around the course for the rest of the race.

Back ashore the drama for the day was not over Nick Craig ultimately being awarded DPI for races 7,8,9 for an illegal change of mainsail.

This shuffled the results with the world title being decided on countback Mark and MJ taking the title from Garmo and Paul.

After the podium celebrations the B14 and Musto fleet finished up with the traditional night in Winds bar.

Thanks Garda, we love you!

Results after Day 4 can be found here (PDF format)