July 24, 2018 2 min read
Sponsored sailor Ross Thompson reports on the 2018 420 Junior Europeans.
The week started off with a medium strength breeze of about 14-16knots.
The first day of racing was all about getting to the pressure and staying in it for as long as possible. We managed to smash in with two second places leaving us joint second overall going into day 2.
Day 2 was a similar wind strength but with slightly larger shifts. The first race of the day we had a bad start but managed to climb our way back through the fleet to finish 8th. In the second race we managed to secure our first race win of the event, crossing the finish line a minute before the next boat which is always a nice feeling.
We went into the last day of qualifying in second position with all still to play for. The breeze was all over the place with massive holes appearing across the race course giving a range of 2-20knots. We got caught out in the first race of the day rounding the windward mark in a very tricky position. We managed to claw back a few places but only enough to secure a 23rd place finish. However in race 2 all went to plan again. We sailed fast and avoided the holes giving us our second race win of the event. Putting us 3rd going into the final series.
Day 4 was a very different day. Although there was similar wind strength, the course had been moved towards a set of cliffs. This meant the race track was very right side favoured. We port tacked the fleet twice however it was all about who got to the right hand side first. So we scored a 14th and a 7th.
We went into the penultimate day of racing still in the hunt in 3rd position.
The wind was a bit lighter on day 5 but we still felt quick in tuning. We failed to get off the line in both races which made it very difficult to catch up so we scored two shockers (29th and 27th). We were devastated after that day as it dropped us down to 6th overall and quite far off the medals. But we picked ourselves up ready to take some big risks to catch up on the final day.
The final day was very similar conditions. We managed to get off the start cleanly in both races but made some big tactical errors not managing to spot some big bands of breeze. Our heads went down after that so we picked up two 40s on the final day.
We finished 12th overall and top British boat which was better than expected but a bit upsetting given how the start of the week was going.
We have the World Championships at the beginning of August in the USA so we hope to make amends and get a solid finish there.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
My favourite rope for splicing
Solid folding lock knife, this is my third one (dropped the last and the first I had for over 6 years).
Looks like it will be good at cutting rope, I've only ever used it for cutting cheese...
we order some stainless beta pins, good price and very quick delivery.
Zhik described this range as medium waterproofness. Unsure what this means and whether I need a spare set of gear for stronger weather. Not convinced but it fits well and it’s a good make. Would be good to see a long term review
The Inglefield clip was invented by Lieutenant Edward Inglefield RN in the 1890s, it has been standard issue to British warships since 1895.
The idea was to make a reliable and fast way of assembling a hoist of signal flags, which they do very well.
I have had a long involvement with these clips, mostly for flags, but they have other uses, for example the West Lancashire Seabird One Design (a half rater) use the clips for their spinnaker halyard attachment to the sail, and I have seen a big version cut out of steel plate for a special job.
The standard clips are made from brass, these medium size nylon ones are clearly not as strong as brass, but they are good for small flags.
A further advantage is the avoidance of metallic stains on the bunting.
I don't think they would be strong enough for a big flag in windy conditions, but that isnt what i purchased them for.
Brilliant rope pack - thanks
Well made and arrived well within time frame really happy with the cover and service highly recommended
Many thanks to the team for advice on which products are in stock and which is most suitable.
This part fitted exactly.Excellent expert advice. Promptly delivered.
Regards Martin
Buoyancy aid arrived nice and quickly, and a nice little park of love heart sweets. Haven’t had chance to sail in it yet, but it’s a nice fit and great quality. Should be testing it out this Sunday.
Quick delivery, well made product and perfect for my purposes.
Goods as described. Arrived promptly. Everything as expected.
I bought the rope to replace rope for stage curtains at our village hall. It was speedily delivered in time for the panto and is smooth to use and does the job perfectly!
Great easy to use web shop, delivered on time exactly as described, will deffo use again
Finding it difficult to refuel & surprised how quick the fuel runs out
Came exactly as described --work well--delivered promptly