Monday, 16 November 2009

All Change at the Top!

Following hurricane force winds on Saturday, racing got off to a great start for our three teams on Sunday. Panther, sailed by a team from the London Corinthian Sailing Club, had the best start and fought hard against Puma Logic up the first beat. Puma Logic rounded the 1^st mark leading class 1 with both Panther and Premier Flair less than a boat length behind.

Jaguar Logic took up the rear at the 1^st mark but sailed a solid downwind leg and a faultless race to edge into the lead just after the half way stage. Panther had the edge on Puma Logic for the following two legs but Puma eventually hauled them in and continued to increase their lead.

At the final mark Jaguar were looking good for a win with just over a mile left to sail and one mark rounding. They were being pushed hard by a determined team on Puma Logic, who were keen to improve on their 9^th place from the previous week. Sadly for Jaguar Logic they made a small error at a vital stage of the race and Puma Logic seized the opportunity to overtake them.

With great boat speed, good tactics and excellent hiking Puma Logic hauled in two other boats to finish in third place. A very disappointed team aboard Jaguar Logic slipped to 6^th place closely followed by Panther in 7^th. What is very encouraging for the team on Panther is the improvement in their boat speed, which has resulted in them leading the other Reflex’s for much of the last two races. They are certainly making their intentions known!

Puma once again leads the Winter Series and are two points ahead of Great Scot IV. Jaguar are only four points behind Puma in third place. It is still extremely close with five boats still in the running for a series victory! Only two more races to go!

Posted by Philippe Falle at 2:38 PM Leave Comment