Wednesday, March 16, 2011

CONCEPT 40

Boat: CONCEPT 40

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More: CONCEPT 40 Specifications

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505 & FD Pre-World Championships in Durban Overall


Author: Ali Meller

High Winds Prevent Racing for the Third (Final) Day

Racing was abandoned for the third and final scheduled day of 505 and Flying Dutchman pre-worlds racing. Both fleets launched and sailed to their courses in 8-12 knot conditions, but the breeze built quickly to 25 knots and the RC, mindful of the forecast for even stronger winds, sent both fleets back to shore prior to starting a sequence.

The beat back to the launching beach was spectacular, with most 505s informally racing back. With masts raked most of the way back, and the boats depowered for the conditions, the 505s were trying to fly as they flew over the Indian Ocean waves - we had the entire centerboard out of the water on
one wave.

All teams returned to shore without incident, and competitors watched from the beach and the bar as the breeze built during the afternoon, probably reaching something well over 30 knots. It was quite a view with whitecaps everywhere and this from an upwind perspective; it would have been quite something on the water.

Yesterday evening the opening ceremonies for the 505 and FD World Championships were held, with assistance from a South African Navy band, a choir and a group of Zulu dancers. The US West Coast team of Bruce Edwards/Dave Shelton were presented with the pre-worlds trophy based on their win in the one race held.

There is no racing scheduled for today; those 505s and FDs that had not yet completed event measurement and registration are doing so. Competitors are making final preparations for the World Championship. Race 1 is at 11:50 local time, tommorrow, the 17th of November.

More Information:

  • Championship Website

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