5.5 Metre Class World Championship 2023 at Yacht Club de l’Odet
5.5 Metre Class World Championship at Yacht Club de l’Odet – Day 2 Recap
29 August – 7 September 2024
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In today’s first race, Arunga XII, helmed by Mark Tolhurst, Stephen Mc Conaghy, and Thomas Spithill, delivered a remarkable performance, launching from a pin end start on port tack. “We aimed for a strong port end start and noticed a wind shift right before the start, so we aggressively went for the pin, tacked onto port, and cleared the fleet,” Tolhurst explained.
They reached the windward mark in third position, trailing behind Shaolin and The Jean Genie but executed a brilliant downwind leg to pass both and secure their victory. “We led around every mark after that—winning was incredibly exciting for us,” Tolhurst added.
Another standout performance came from Australian entry Ku-Ring-Gai III, skippered by John Bacon, Joost Houweling, and Edward Wright. They finished second in both races, although their consistency was hampered by a disqualification in race two. “We still have three solid results, which is fantastic considering the competition,” Bacon remarked.
The Swiss entry Caracole, featuring Bernard Haissly, Daniel Stampfli, and Nicolas Berthoud, also excelled, winning the second race. “We achieved a good start and maintained speed, managing to overtake New Moon lll during the final run to finish comfortably ahead,” Stampfli noted.
After four completed races, the competition demonstrates remarkable complexity, with Artemis currently leading the leaderboard on 20 points. Aspire and Ali Baba are tied at 23 points, followed closely by The Jean Genie at 24 points.
The Evolution fleet is also witnessing tight competition, with only seven points separating the top seven boats. Singora, helmed by Hans Köster and his daughter, performed best in today’s race. “We managed to secure a strong and clear start, which was a new experience for us sailing in tidal waters,” Köster shared.
The day concluded with a vibrant pontoon party hosted by the Swiss contingent, featuring delicious raclette and Italian delicacies, allowing competitors and officials to unwind and celebrate the day’s efforts.
Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.