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International 6m British Open and European Championships 2014
Falmouth, UK, 16.-25.Juli 2014
http://6meuropeans14.com/ - Übersicht
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15-26 July 2014
23.07.2014
No Wind Or Racing On Day Three
Of The Six Metre European Championship 2014
23 July 2014 - Falmouth, UK - The forcast for the third day of the Six Metre European Championship was for strong sun, high temperates and little or no wind, and unfortunately it was not wrong! Despite everyone's best efforts no racing was possible for the second day running.
Chris Hadden and his Race Committee started by taking the fleet out towards the entrance of the Helford River, as they had a nice light sailing breeze in that area at the time the boats were leaving the dock. Sadly by the time they arrived on the start line it was dying and soon the Sixes were lolling airless on the swell. With current taking them towards the rocky shore and the crews finding the rolling hard to stomach, it wasn't long before the boats were under tow back across the bay.
The Race Committee then looked in vane at various other options around Falmouth Bay and in Carrick Roads, before sending the fleet back in at lunchtime to avoid the worst of the midday heat. By early afternoon there were signs of a light sea breeze out towards St Anthony's head, so the committee called the boats afloat again. But it was to no avail and shortly after the wind once again petered out. The fleet stuck it out for a couple more hours watching tempting zephyrs come and go, but eventually had to admit defeat.
Only two races have been completed so far and at least five races are required to constitute the championship, so the race committee has confirmed the regatta will be extended into Friday's reserve racing day. Advance notice has also been given that the committee is considering bringing the first warning signal for Friday's racing forward to 08.55; a final decision on this will be made after racing tomorrow once the forecast and number of races completed to that point is known.
Unfortunately the forecasts for tomorrow and Friday offer more light winds and only a minimal chance of sea breezes. Asked for his thoughts on the situation, Chris Hadden joked ironically, "When last seen, the race officer was drawing two overlapping triangles in chalk on the ground, borrowing six black candles and looking for a virgin goat to sacrifice!"
The sailors are philosophical about the situation and making the most of the opportunity for long lunches with friends and to enjoy the wonderful scenery of Falmouth Bay. Of course everyone is frustrated with the lack of racing, especially those who have travelled from as far afield and Canada, the USA, Hong Kong and across Europe, but they all recognise that sometimes the weather gods simply refuse to smile on them and there is nothing anyone can do but remain calm, keep their spirits up and make the most of a difficult situation.
Fortunately Falmouth and the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club's reputation for outstanding hospitality is well deserved, and the town and surrounding area offer lots of attractions for the visitor. This evening competitors are enjoying a champagne and strawberries sunset cruise around Falmouth Bay and the spectacular Helford River. All this sun and heat might not be much good for racing, but its definitely an added bonus on evenings like this.
With no racing today the overall results after two races remain Valhalla and Blade Runner tied for the lead of the Modern Division with three points each and Notorious third on 9.5 points. In the Classic Division Titia leads on four points with Gallant second on seven points and Nada third on nine points.
Wind permitting, racing is scheduled to commence at 10.30 tomorrow and the regatta continues until Friday 25 July, when no warning signal can be made after 12 noon.
Further information, full results, photographs and the full entry list incorporating information about each boat can be found at www.6meuropeans14.com.
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Notes for Editors
For further information please contact:
Fiona Brown
Press Officer - Six Metre European Championship 2014
Email fiona.brown@fionabrown.com
Tel +44 7711 718470
Skype fpbrown
About the International Six Metre Class
The class has managed to retain the heritage of international class racing in thoroughbred boats that don't have to break the bank. We believe there are some 1,500 6 Metre boats around the world today, and the UK has one of the largest fleets. Early Fife boats built in 1907 are still racing - often against new Moderns. Some classics have been beautifully modified for cruising; several race only occasionally. The class has managed to cover a wide range of sailing need. All have one thing in common: their distinctive sailing silhouette and an adherence to a tried and tested formula. A tribute to the designers and builders. There is no doubt the class generates a passion and devotion driven by the stunning appearance of the boats and their historical significance.
Now 100 years since the first rule was written, metre boats have been at the forefront of yacht development - they were amongst the first boats sailing in the Olympics, right from the 1908 London Olympics until 1968 in Mexico, 6mR were used for the British-American Cup (team racing and an event far more prestigious than the America's Cup in its day), the Seawanhaka Cup (Match racing) through the 1930's. Of the other international rule classes, the 8mR have been first choice boat for most of European Royalty, some of the 23mR were converted to 'J'-class yachts and the 12mR were the boats used to challenge for the Americas Cup for 30 years once racing started again after the war and until a more modern derivative was designed. Hull designs have always been technologically advanced. Wing keels, rod shrouds and the latest in sail composition on the Moderns contrast with the ageless wooden decks and fittings of the Classics. Both classes sail together; often the faster Classics mixing it with the Moderns. There has been a real resurgence of interest with many old boats being restored, new boats being built and some of the mega-stars of the sailing world choosing metre boats for their personal sailing. The International Six Metre Association has members in most European and American sailing centres.
The UK 6mR fleet is largely based in the Solent with another group of boats in the West Country. The programme is devised to provide maximum opportunity to sail together consistent with the ability of the boats to get to each venue by sailing or transport. Many boats have a 7.5ton lorry which is sufficient to move the boats and at each venue launching facilities are organised.
Fiona Brown Communications | c/o 3 Palmers Road | Emsworth | Hampshire | PO10 7DL | United Kingdom
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