With three races sailed by the J Class at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, all three teams have now won one race each. Rainbow leads the regatta but only on countback. A technical problem for the Swedish flagged Svea, favourites to win the event, meant they had to retire from both of today’s breezy races. Aggregating eight points for their two DNFs means Monday’s race winners Svea are now third overall on five points, after discarding one DNF.
The winds gusted up to 16 or 17 knots during the first start amidst a lumpy, choppy sea. Svea had started well but only seconds into the race before the headsail slid to the deck after their halyard lock system failed. The team attempted a repair on the water to be competitive in the second race but could not manage it. However, they fully expect to return at full strength when regatta points racing resumes Thursday after the traditional lay day on Wednesday.
Rainbow won the first race, leading around the top mark initially. However, Hanuman was on terms by the leeward gate, even taking a small lead at the turn. A sheet override on a subsequent tack cost Hanuman, allowing Peter Harrison’s team, with Ed Baird calling tactics, to score their first victory in the event.
In the second race, Rainbow was called over the start line at the beginning of the second windward-leeward. They had to re-cross, giving away time and distance to Hanuman, which went on to claim victory.
After securing their first win, Hanuman’s tactician Vasco Vascotto expressed satisfaction but acknowledged the need for improvements to reduce errors against the established benchmark, Svea. He noted, “It’s good to be competitive, that’s what we feel. Obviously, we are not brilliant, but we are learning every day.”
Racing resumes on Thursday, 1st October, and concludes on Saturday, 3rd October.
Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, J Class:
Race 2: 1 J-H2 Rainbow, 2 J-K6 Hanuman, DNF J-S1 Svea
Race 3: 1 J-K6 Hanuman, 2 J-H2 Rainbow, DNF J-S1 Svea
Standings after three races including one discard:
1 J-H2 Rainbow 2,1,(2) 3pts
2 J-K6 Hanuman 3pts (3),2,1
3 J-S1 Svea 1,4,(4) 5pts
#OfficialJClass #SaintTropez #Rainbow #Svea #Hanuman
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