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Lake Garda Worlds 2007

Posted 1 year, 1 month ago

Lake Garda Worlds 2007
What an event!!!Finished 3rd in the Euro's and 5th in the Worlds which I am pretty happy with. Hadn't done anywhere near enough sailing (with my law exams getting in the way) so can't expect to do better than that!Also had a few major problems with my Bladerider, which basically fell apart as the week went on. Bit of a shame as it cost me a better placing, (and maybe the europeans). In race 2 I had a problem with the push-rod (nothing major but the small 2.5mm bolt which connects the push rod to the wand fell out) and I needed help from Lex (bladerider coach) to fix it. We did fix it but in doing so I had to get outside assistance from Lex inside the 5 minute gun. That cost me a third place when I later had to RAF (retire after the finish) losing the 3rd despite giving the fleet a 2 minute headstart! Other problems were mainly due to early production problems with the first few bladeriders. Mine was boat number 5, and I think was shipped from China first to make the London Boat show. The boat was basically too light, without enough carbon. And Garda was probably the worst venue for a fragile early production boat!!!The problems came thick and fast, and culminated in the hull and deck separating on a few occasions! So most days I would return ashore with half the lake in the hull! Don't think it was the weight disadvantage which hindered, but rather the moving ballast effect which would sway fore and aft downwind! Very tricky!Amac and Rohan knew there would be problems with this hull, (as they had experienced similar problems with earlier boats in Aus, and have been very good about it). As a result I'm getting a complete new boat off them, including all new bits in a full warranty replacement. I can say that I'm glad, as the old boat should be burnt! Bring on GBR 4101 which I am going to name "The Orient Express". The dragon hasn't quite died yet, she only maimed. Amac is taking her home, for more glue and extra carbon. She'll be back!But I can't be too negative. I was quick, especially in the first race of each day (before the hull took on too much water). My last race of each day was always 2 points worse than my first race. Bit frustrating!I think 5th in the Worlds and 3rd in the Euro's is still very good. Both I and the rest of the fleet learnt loads and the benchmark has been raised. Handling these boats in that wind and those waves wasn't easy and was a satisfying challenge.Overall Results

1. Rohan Veal - Bladerider
2. Scott Babbage - Bladerider
3. Simon Payne - Prowler
4. Sam Pascoe - Mistress
5. Graham Vials - Bladerider
6. Amac - Bladerider
7. Jason Belben - Prowler
8. Adam May - Mistress Hull / Fastacraft foils
9. John Harris - Bladerider
10. Les Thorpe - Hungry Tiger

So much for the UK Form Guide!!! ;-) Full Story »

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