Race Report: 9/12/09 – 1700hrs
In the final day of racing for the 2009 6mR World Cup, the fleet that had traveled from eleven countries on three continents, raced in moderate conditions combining wind from 8-15 knots with rain squalls. One race was run for each division with a four 1.5nm leg course set at 040 degrees.
In the 8th race of the series in the Classic Division, day one winner Jessie Smith’s Totem (US-51) took line honors again today. Totem crew, Brad Read said: “The ingenuity of the owners and designers who make such a wide variety of boats competitive is truly amazing. Wooden hull and rig boats with Dacron sails mix it up equally with their newer generation fleet-mates who choose aluminum spars and Kevlar sails.”
Peter Koljonen-Astrand’s Fridolin (FIN-12) crossed the finish line second today and wrapped up the series in 2nd place overall in the Classic Division with 20 points. Eric Tingleff Larsen’s Great Dane (DEN-65) finished 5th today but secured 3rd place overall in Classic Division series with 26 points.
It was today’s 3rd place finisher, Gallant’s (KC-10) Eric Jespersen who popped the post-race champagne cork on the dock, pouring bubbly for three generations of Jespersens who make up the Gallant team, as they celebrated their newly acquired title of 2009 6mR World Cup Champions in the Classic Division. Eric said: “Our strategy for the week was to sail clean and conservatively, especially when the black flag rule was in effect. We were going for consistent scores and avoided taking any flyers. Our game plan paid off and we were happy with our boat speed in the variety of conditions that we saw this week. Five years ago we found Gallant as a complete wreck. Our driving goal since then has been to prepare her for this regatta, so it is very gratifying to win the World Cup and to be sharing it with my father (Bent at pit) and my two sons (headsail trimmer, Rob and bowman, Ross) along with Dave Richardson our mainsail trimmer and tactician.”
In the Modern Division race today, Rob Gray’s Soundrel (GBR-96) got the gun, Hugo Stenbeck’s Sophie II (SWE-132) placed second, and Patric Fredell’s May Be XIV (SWE-115) finished third.
In the overall scoring for the Moderns Scoundrel (GBR-96) and Sophie II (SWE-132) were tied for the title with 17 points. The tiebreaker, which came down to the number of 2nd place finishes (as they had equal number of 1st place finishes) awarded the World Cup Championship to Sophie II (SWE-132). Bob Cadranell’s Arunga (USA-118) finished the series in third place overall with 23 points.
Stenbeck ‘s Sophie II (SWE-132) story is similar to Jespersen’s in that he rescued and restored a derelict 6mR yacht specifically to compete in the World Cup. “As this was my first time competing on the international level in the 6mR fleet I am very excited about our experience and look forward to the next generation coming into the fleet to continue the great tradition of 6mR racing. “
An awards ceremony will be held on the grounds of the Museum of Yachting, sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and the Rums of Puerto Rico this evening.
#ends#
