June 3, 2005 (La Trinite sur Mer). Black flag disqualifications in
Race 7
of the World Championship have shifted the tide of this event as
several of
the the leading boats picked up a painful 41 points to consider while
waiting for the next race to start. Asterix was one of the
fourteen
boats that were over the line early under the ominous black flag that
was
set after several general recalls. The top of the scoreboard was
changed
considerably as the top boats were aggressive and paid the price.
Racing conditions were very different from the previous two days. A
low
pressure system generated a westerly breeze that started around 10-12
knots
and built to 18 by mid-day. A 10 minute rain squall between races
cleared
the clouds and the breeze and seas continued to build as the sky
cleared for
a spectacular finish to the day with up to 25 knots across the course.
The
race committee was able to complete four races today, with only two
more to
determine the next world champions. Toulon Provence Mediterranee
Coych and
Bouyges Telecom are head to head, with only five points between first
and
second place. The crew aboard Toulon Provence plan to keep an eye on
the
competition tomorrow, but are not feeling too pressured and have sailed
together a lot so are comfortable with doing their best for the final
day.
Peter de Ridder was one of the boats with a BFD, but he recovered well
from
the self-proclaimed early disaster to win the last two races. Their
plan
was to get to the right side of the course after the front passed
through
and it paid off for their well-practiced crew.
The final two races of the World Championship will be raced in similar
conditions tomorrow, with more moderate wind forecast. The winner
will
take home the 100 year old Royal Canadian Yacht Club trophy until the
next
Worlds, which will be in Miami Beach, Florida on November 8-11, 2006.
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
