With 3 Australians on the podium of the first race (respectively Grant Rollerson on Slam, John Winning Junior on Appliances Online and Jonathan Whitty on Panasonic), sailed in a very light wind, we could expect an Australian domination all through this week of international confrontation at the Mark Foy Trophy. But a Briton and an American imposed themselves in the provisional ranking.
Run in Carnac between the 28th June and the 4th July, this competition gets together former and present 18 foot skiff champions. A compendium of sailing excellence that has been expressed from the first start of this second day of regatta. On the line, the places were very expensive and the arrival at the first buoy of the dog leg was just as much tight. Grant Rollerson has been the faster to get to the mark with in his wake two ambitious fellow-countrymen: John Wining Junior and Jonathan Whitty. The British team of Investec, led by Mason Woodworth have managed to get in between the two young crews. Light and inspired, the latters reached to maintain themselves in the vangyard while Mason and his team, heavier, were progressively losing ground. The formidable Rob Greenhalgh, on Benny, was starting a slow but steady go up and finished 4th, just in front of Howie Hamlin.
For the second race, a very tight start again with the disqualification of Grant Rollerson, slightly above the line. The Britons on Asko, led by Dan Wilson, have taken the most of it and take the first mark in the lead, in front of Howie Hamlin and the men of Pindar, actual European champions. Andy Richards has however progressively lost ground at the expense of Greenhalgh who finally took the lead as the wind was raising. An impressive distance was widening between him and his followers: Howie Hamlin and Dan Wilsdon on Asko. Greenhalgh won the race easily proving his status of talented helmsman.
Coming only to participate, the English helmsman is already the man to beat in this competition, his ease being so disconcerting. There's still a long way to go, the races being competed in a light wind, largely penalizing the heavy crews. All of them haven't been able yet to express themselves and let's hope the wind is going to rise to give every crew its chance... and the public the beautiful show of these skiffs!