ORMA Multihull Grand Prix in Cagliari Overall
by Kingfisher Challenges 24 Jun 2001 22:24 BST
BETTER...BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
The final day of the ORMA Multihull Grand Prix was sailed in perfect conditions, with a stronger breeze than yesterday, under the permanent blue skies of Cagliari. After two days that have certainly disappointed Alain Gautier, Ellen and the team on FONCIA-KINGFISHER, the first race of the day produced the best result so far.
In a race which was marked by very close mark roundings, and plenty of boat to boat action, FONCIA-KINGFISHER finished second just behind BELGACOM. Smiles returning to the team...
Having worked through the night, the team of FUJI were ready to race again this morning despite the major surgery undertaken on her new mast after the discovery of a crack about 1.5 metres up from the deck. It didn't seem to dent her performance, as she took third place in this first competition of the day.
Race 2 wasn't so easy, and this time she finished behind GROUPAMA and BONDUELLE. What is incredible in this fleet is that each race can produce such different placings - there is no clear favourite, and the racing is so close that just one mistake can change everything.
However, it was BONDUELLE that has scored the more consistently good results, and a second in the final race was sufficient to give her overall victory just ahead of GROUPAMA and then FUJI, with FONCIA-KINGFISHER climbing to 5th overall.
Ellen was pleased at least that her team finished on a better note; "It was pretty tough going mentally after yesterday, but we went out and did our best today and was a relief to be up on the podium again at least in the first race. Its been hard work but good fun with the team - had a lot to learn, but each day feel more confident in this environment. Now though its back to a single hull, and a month onboard KINGFISHER in the open ocean - I can't wait!"
Ellen's upcoming programme : a week of book writing, journey to St.Malo, and start of the EDS Atlantic Challenge on July 3.
Photos: © Royale Production / www.martin-raget.com (click thumbnail for full image)
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