Tom Dolan shows impressive consistency ahead of Solo Guy Cotten Main Race
by Tom Dolan Racing 11 Mar 09:21 GMT
Across two days of sharply contrasting conditions Tom Dolan successfully delivers a strong opening Solo Guy Cotten sitting in 8th overnight.
After a false start on Monday forcing Dolan to go back and re-cross the line he still managed to deliver a very impressive race climbing his way back up to 11th out of 44 boats. Combining this with a 7th on Tuesday, he finishes the two offshore legs with his highest ranking heading into the offshore leg.
"I had a lot of fun these first two days," Dolan said, noting a personal milestone: "I've never been ranked so high after the first two races of the Solo Guy Cotten."
In a fleet known for tight margins and constant pressure, his steady performance is an encouraging sign.
Dolan also highlighted "I've rarely been so aggressive on the starting line, it's something we've been working on"
An individual recall on Monday briefly interrupted his momentum, but he recovered quickly. "I jumped the start, but I managed it well to get back in the game. Perhaps I was a little lucky... or, to be fair to myself, let's say I was a little successful!"
The upcoming offshore leg is expected to be highly strategic. Initially planned to finish around midday Friday, but due to deteriorating weather it has been brought forward too Thursday evening. While slightly reduced in length, the route may still offer excellent opportunities for sailors who thrive in stronger winds and Tom lies in a strong position to contest the fleet in the overall rankings.
"We'll probably have a little less pressure than expected over the entire course, but there should still be a good downwind leg in 25 knots," Dolan explained.
These fast, energetic conditions play to Dolan's strengths. The Kingspan skipper now approaches the next stage with the ambition of staying firmly in contention.