June 1, 2005 (La Trinite sur Mer). Louis Browne's British entry
Asterix captured the lead in a light air opening day at the ninth Mumm 30 World Championship. Racing started in the early afternoon after a long
postponement ashore. The Mumm 30s were fast aound the course on flat water in a five to ten knot westerly breeze in the Golf of Morbihan.
Despite the late start, three windward-leeward races were completed and
boats were back at the dock by 7:00 p.m. A counter current across the
start line, an I-flag and no throw-outs for the series helped control
the fleet. There were some OCS calls in the second start, but no general
recalls for the 40 boats that are competing.
Asterix holds a stong position, with the same crew that won the Spi
Ouest regatta here over Easter weekend. They know the local
conditions,
but will
continue to face tough competition from a very strong fleet. There
were
three different race winners, as is typical with the Class, but
consistency,
not bullets will win the day as shown by the Brits. Michele and
Gianluca
Perris' entry from Monaco with Italian Paolo Cian calling tactics won
the first race after taking the lead from Oui halfway around the
course.
Famous Tour de France a la Voile sailor Jimmy Pahun got the finish line
gun in the second race, but inconsistent finishes for the rest of the
day put his
french team in 29th overall. Pierre Loic Bert on Bouyges Telecom
was
the final race winner of the day and is in second overall. They have
match racer Mattieu Richard on tactics.
Other contenders for the regatta include Deneen Demourkas from Santa
Barbara, California. Her tactician is New Zealander Hamish Pepper of
America's Cup fame. Groovederci competed in the Tour Voile last year
and
finished third in that event. Jim Richardson is another American
entry. He is new to the Class, but has won the very competitive Farr
40
World championship twice. Peter de Ridder is the current Mumm 30
European
Champion with his regular crew from the Netherlands, with Kiwi Ray
Davies
calling the shots. While they had a slow start, there are still three
more
days where anything can happen. Defending Mumm 30 world champion
Richard
Perini from Australia is in eighth overall at the end of Day 1.
More light air is expected for the second day of the Worlds, with
another three races planned.
Champagne Mumm, North Sails, Armor Lux, the Port of La Trinite sur Mer,
the Conseil General of Morbihan and the region of Brittany are proud
sponsors of event.
complete results
Renee Mehl
renee@staggyachts.com
