After a short delay ashore, the fleet were released on to the water around 8.15am, when it felt like a breeze was beginning to build. Alas it was not to be.
Even in moments of severe strain, Principal Race Officer David Campbell-James has managed to keep a semblance of a sense of humour; when his mark laying team reported there was no wind at the windward end of the course, quick as a flash he asked which direction it was from.
There is of course frustration at the situation, but also pragmatism amongst the sailors and an understanding that the organisers are doing all they can to run racing. However, when the majority of Portland Harbour is a mirror all day, and when breeze does come in it’s from two directions at once, there’s simply no way to hold fair world championship racing.
When racing was cancelled for the day, we spoke to Jason Belben, Mike Lennon, Ricky Tagg, Simon Payne, Les Thorpe and Hiroki Goto about the past, present and future of the class. The ‘elder statesmen’ shared their knowledge and gave some hugely valuable insights in this must-watch Q&A.
Tomorrow’s another day, as they say. We can only hope that with it there is breeze.
Author is Mark Jardine / IMCAUK
