Full on Foam Up at Fast 40+ One Ton Cup

Solent, UK (September 16, 2016) – The Solent is the chosen playground for the FAST40+ Class and the first day of the One Ton Cup had swings, roundabouts and a few helter skelters. A northerly breeze, pumping out of Southampton Water, was flicking the windometer into the upper twenties, and a building sea state added to boat handling issues. Three tough windward leeward races tested the stamina of all the teams. Breathless, salt-encrusted, but also deliriously happy with a fantastic day on the race course, there was plenty of banter at Hamble Yacht Services Event Centre after racing, truly a full on foam up.

Bill Coates American Ker 43, Otra Vez was quick out of the blocks in the first race but Peter Morton’s British Carkeek 40+, Girls on Film, reeled them in to take line honours and the win after IRC time correction. Anthony O’Leary’s Irish Ker40 Antix had a great opening race, only missing out on the win by 14 seconds. Johnny Vincent’s British Ker40+, Pace was third, just 11 seconds ahead of Tony Dickin’s British GP42 Jubilee.

Race Two was won by Pace by 32 seconds from Girls on Film, who had a spectacular broach, but they were not alone; Otra Vez split their kite in half, a major handicap to sail selection. Several boats span out in spectacular style in the gusty conditions. Ker40+ Invictus, helmed by Alex Mills, came back after a disappointing first race to take third.

Race 3 was won by Girls on Film, Stewart Whitehead’s Carkeek 40 Rebellion scored a notable second and Invictus scoring another podium finish. Tony Dickin’s GP42 Jubilee had two great races today but spinnaker damage in the last race has put the British team out of the running for a first day podium position.

“Rebellion has had plenty of modifications and that has been a game-changer.” commented Rebellion’s Frank Gerber. “We have confidence in the boat now, and when you can hold your lane, it brings a lot more options into play.”

“We scored a 1-2-1 today but every race was close, it is a matter of seconds in every race.” commented Girls on Film’s Peter Morton. “We made a mistake in the second race and we got punished, that is how it is in the FAST40+ fleet. Tomorrow is a big day, with points-weighted races that can not be discarded and we hope to be consistent.”

Principle Race Officer, Stuart Childerley was happy with the day’s racing. “The mark layers did a great job today, and it was also great to see some teams taking penalty turns out on the water, rather than going to the protest room. Tomorrow, we will look at setting a windward-leeward race followed by two longer races, which will be non-discards.”

After three races, Peter Morton’s Girls on Film leads the One Ton Cup. Johnny Vincent’s Pace is second and Keith Mills’ Invictus is third. Mike Bartholomew’s South African GP42 Tokoloshe, did not make the podium today, but a consistent set of results puts the team in fourth, ahead of the chasing pack.

The One Ton Cup owned by the Cercle de la Voile de Paris, presented by Hamble Yacht Services and organixed by the Royal Southern Yacht Club, is taking place September 16-18 in the Solent, UK. Nine races are scheduled with a mixture of windward-leeward and weighted points factor longer races.

Event Website – Results

Source: Event Media