by Mark Watts
After the light show the night before and the enforced lockin at the local winebar (whilst waiting for the rain to stop) the fleet were optimistic of sunshine and the legendary Ora for Day 1.
The abbreviated version of the day from roving reporter Leaky
"Race report from behind the scenes (& behind reinforced concrete survival bunker)…..
Yeah. They all went out and used-up all the sensible air…..then, “IT” came. 😬. Quick, RUN FOR THE HILLS!
NO! NOT THE HILLS! Just RUN!………"
The full report..
After holding ashore to ensure we weren't being sent out into a dangerous thunderstorms the fleet headed out into a solid Northerly but the big holes in the breeze were a warming of things to come.
Off the line the fleet split looking for pressure with none of the favourites agreeing. In the end it was Russ Gibbs/Lucy Loughton GBR762 "ASBO" that rang the bell out left to lead round from GBR799 "Seavolution" Mark Barnes/Simon Reynolds
The first run saw a number of teams distracted by the scenery and heading for the cliffs only for the wind to shut down. The big winners "Wonky Donkey" GBR797 Mark Watts/Matt Johnson pulling through to 2nd.
The next beat and run saw plenty of snakes and ladders with ASBO holding on with a lot of place changes behind. The final beat became very patchy with a pack of boats all arriving at the windward mark together and some big losers and gainers.
The last run was super light, at the finish ASBO were pipped to first by Seavolution, recovering from their earlier sightseeing trip to the cliff. GBR 796 "Harken" Nick Craig/Toby Lewis picking some good shifts for third to make it a GBR 123. Behind were a lot of photo finishes in extremely close finishes.
Special mention to GBR 756 Paul Roberts/Guy Raynes "Erectile Distinction" for sticking it out for 2 laps despite their obvious problems…..
The looming thunderstorm meant the next race was for the beach before an opening ceremony accompanied by torrential rain and massive hailstones.
Fingers crossed Day 2 reverts to classic Garda conditions, as the sun sets in beautiful sunshine it looks promising. And if the early socials and close racing are an indicator an epic few days to come.
 after 1.pdf | [Results after day 1 of 2023 Europeans] | 142 kB |
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The battle to become supreme champions of the B14 class resumes after a break due to CV19. All kicks off with the B14 Europeans 13 – 15 the July, one lay day and then the Worlds 17 – 21nd July at the Circolo Vela, Torbole, Lake Garda. The flying circus is now in town and the party begins.
In the left corner we have the Australians and in the right, the Brits, French and Germans. The Ashes are up for grabs. Which would reign supreme with their top teams taking home the prize.
The Garda ORA blows from the south west and can produce thrilling warm winds of 20knots or more, equally the weather gods can have an off day and a light northerly will prevail. Heavier weather will suit the Macrea Aussie fleet, especially Craig Garmston/Louis Chapman, Joey Randell and Lois & from team GBR, following the last event at the Whitstable 2022 nationals showed that Nick Craig/Toby Lewis & Mark Watts/MJ raced an exceptionally tight series with Mark taking the European and Nick the national.
Lighter winds may favour the current Aussie national champions, Richie and Lissa & team Starcross YC who used the spring and summer regularly practising in all winds.
Mark Barnes previous national champion, this time with Simon Reynolds, who by their own admission have been a bit rusty will no doubt pull many good results out of the bag during the series.
The fleet is highly talented and this year has attracted excellent new sailers into the class who, despite their newness will post strong results when the conditions are right. Rumour has it that we may get further entries right up the deadline who could shake it up!
Sadly our exceptionally talented friends Francoise and Alain Cadre who are exceptionally have retired due to injury leaving Thierry Llonch & Mickael to fly the French flag and Chris Wilms and Daniela to fly the flag for Germany.
The form guide.
The best predictions of future performance is understanding recent previous results so please do keep up with the daily reports and results from the European championship that runs over three days this week. These will demonstrate just who’s on good form and who’s on great form, as we all know, it’s not over until it’s over… the worlds final form guide will published on the lay day…
You can also follow the updates on the B14 Facebook page, the webpage, B14.org and Twitter
@B14_UK
Photography from Lotte Johnson
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We will also be asking 4 or 5 competators a day to sail with the Barnsie Go-pro... my dreadful tacks will now be publically available!
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Circolo Vela Torbole has now published the Notice of Race and also registration and payment details for the 2023 Europeans and World Championships at Lake Garda. Full details can be found at the Worlds event page, so enter now for what promises to be a cracking event!
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