GUL RS800 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – DAYS 4 & 5
The conditions for days 4 and 5 continued in the same vein as for days 2 & 3, with a shifty westerly breeze blowing off the shore in the bay off Porthpean.
Ben McGrane & Olivier Vidal secured three more races wins and an uncharacteristic 8th place over the two days to secure the championship with a day to spare.
The chasing pack are still very closely grouped with just the final day to come. With the second discard in play, Stevie Wilson & Jamie Stewart are best placed in second, two points ahead of Tim Hirst & Ben Schooling, who lie a further 4 points clear of Tom Halhead & Christian Humphrey, who have closed up courtesy of 4 top four finishes in the past 2 days.
Yesterday saw the first RS800 crews race after racing. A close and tense affair meant a general recall occurred on the first start, and the fleet got away on a short windward leeward before beating home. First round the windward mark were Jamie Stewart & Stevie
The RS800 class is extremely grateful for the sponsors who have supported the last few days of racing. Tuesday was Harken day, with Harken prizes for the daily winners and support for the fancy dress pub crawl round Fowey, which provided much amusement.
Wednesday was sponsored by Geeta’s, who gave curry sauces as daily prizes to accompany the evening curry social. Their support is much appreciated, especially by those who won sauces to take home.
Day 5 (Thursday) was sponsored by St Austell Brewery and their own Tribute Ale. This involved a free bottle of ale for every competitor, and a brewery tour after racing. All those who went enjoyed the tour and the accompanying taster session late into the night.
The final day has dawned light, so the fleet are waiting to see if a final day’s racing will be possible.
Results are available at http://www.porthpeansc.co.uk/results2008/RS%20800%20National%20Championship.htm
