September 23, 2014
3 minutes reading time
Spectacular Second Day At 5.5 Metre Worlds
Two great races were completed on the second day of the 5.5m World Championship 2014 in Porto Santo Stefano, Tuscany.
Two great races were completed on the second day of the 5.5m World Championship 2014 in Porto Santo Stefano, Tuscany.
A challenging course was set for the 37 yachts from Bahamas, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Italy that sailed under sunny skies with winds from the east north-east at 8-15 knots gusting to 23 and flat azure seas with occasional whitecaps. After two races, the state of play is, first Artemis XIV – Kristian Neergaard (NOR57), second John B – Gavin McKinney (BAH19) and third Sinewave – Thomas Muller (GER82). Mission Possible – Markus Wieser (GER79) took the Race 1 victory and Sinewave – Thomas Muller (GER82) took the second.
The first race kicked off at 11:10 local time with the course set for 70 degrees and 10 knots of breeze. The fleet cut the starting line on the Committee Boat side and set towards the left hand side of the course. There was an individual recall for four boats who were over the line early, including SUI207. At the end of the first beat, Aubisque – Andre Perrin (SUI207) was in command followed by Mission Possible – Markus Wieser (GER79). Down the first run towards Porto Santo Stefano, the German team made up the distance and at the leeward gate passed into the lead. There was a change in leadership again at the end of the fourth leg with the breeze steadily building to 18-20 knots and Artemis XIV – Kristian Neergaard (NOR57) rounded first, trailed closely by Wieser (GER79) and by John B – Gavin McKinney (BAH19). With the breeze blowing at 21-23 knots, competitors madee their way up the final beat and Whisper – Richard Leupold (ITA57) was forced to abandon racing due to rudder damage. The fleet came flying down the final run and on the finish line Artemis XIV (NOR57) and Mission Possible (GER79) were neck to neck. Victory went to the defending World Champion Markus Wieser (GER79), second place went to Artemis XIV (NOR57) and third went to John B (BAH19).
The second race started just before 13:00 with the wind still from the east-north-east at 15 knots. The fleet favoured the pin end side of the line and three boats were over the line early, including Mission Possible (GER79). The competitors weaved their way up the course towards the pristine beach of La Giannella with the sweeping pine grove and Mount Amiata in the background. From the very beginning Sinewave – Thomas Muller (GER82) was in the lead, tacking up the center of the course and keeping her adversaries in check. At mark 3 John B (BAH19), Mission Possible (GER79) and Artemis XIV (NOR57) were closing in. The wind began to die down and Sinewave – Thomas Muller (GER82) took the second race win in very light air.
Racing continues until Friday, September 26 with a maximum of seven races to be completed in five days. A minimum of 4 completed races is necessary to constitute a championship. After six races have been completed the worst result shall be discarded. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the 16th century Spanish Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano in the late afternoon of Friday 26 September.
The World Championship of the International 5.5 Metre Class is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano, with the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Grosseto, and the Municipality of Monte Argentario and with the support of the Pro Loco of Porto Santo Stefano.