505 Euro Cup, consistency counts for Gilbert and McGrane
Breaking newsIn evidenzaMonotipiaVela 15 Settembre 2019 Zerogradinord 0
Hayling Island – Seven heats were held over 3 very different days at Hayling Island Sailing Club to complete the last leg of the 4 leg 5O5 Euro Cup Series for 2019.
“Racing in a fleet as competitive as the 5O5s with numerous World Champions and Olympians was a great privilege” said 29er World Champion, top 49er sailor, Olympian and first timer in the 5O5, Alain Sign. “After two years coaching it was great to get back racing and this event was a great opportunity. I had to learn on the fly at the weekend as I had never really used a symmetrical pole before but was amazed how many options you had going downwind which meant for some interesting tactical decisions. All in all I loved the boat from the technical aspect and how much control you have over set up. Onshore everyone is so keen to help each other develop. If I get the chance to sail the boat again I will definitely be back ”
Over the 3 days a wide variety of conditions challenged the strong international fleet and the experienced Hayling Island race management team. Day 1 delivered classic big wave, big wind conditions for the high quality 505 fleet with visitors from Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium and USA. The westerly winds of 22- 27 kts and steep seas were challenging conditions that 505s revel in. Multiple world champions Mike Holt and Carl Smit from California delivered a master class of heavy weather sailing to score 2 convincing bullets and lead overnight.
The 6-12kt northerly for day 2 was unstable and shifty with 40 degree shifts that shook up the results. Gains and losses were often huge but European Champions Roger Gilbert & Ben McGrane managed them best and moved into first place.
The final day was bright and sunny with an indecisive light offshore northerly wind that just could not make up its mind. In the end consistency was key with Roger Gilbert and Ben McGrane (GBR) deservedly winning overall after strong challenges from Paul Brotherton & Alain Sign (GBR) and Penny & Russell Clark (GBR) in third.
TOP 5
1st Roger Gilbert Ben McGrane (GBR)
2nd Paul Brotherton Alain Sign (GBR)
3rd Penny Clark Russ Clark (GBR)
4th Julian Slueckl Johannes Tellen (GER)
5th Mike Holt Carl Smit (USA)
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