The skippers meeting at Peru Beach took place under an overcast sky, it was hot and humid and there was no wind at all! [more]Organisers offered a free pasta lunch to the eager competitors while they waited for racing conditions. It was a good entry with 6 Beginners, 15 Techno and 23 on Raceboard.
At 16:00 the boards were afloat, although there was barely enough wind for the racing starting at 16:15, but it increased steadily to a nice 10/12 knots! However, that was the pre-warning of a major tropical storm moving in from southeast and we do mean MAJOR! With some 18 knots already blowing and going up fast, the rescue team was very busy!! As the wind topped 30 knots, all the kids were in shallow water walking back to the beach, then 35 knots, heavy rain, 150 meter visibility . . . but all were safe, although a few unsecured sails flew away!
The first race for Techno was won by Nicolas Godoli after the disqualification of Baptist Saubidet for being over the line. Baptist was the only one who managed to finish race two, minutes before the storm of rain and wind was unleashed. Baptist has now taken 5 bullets in 8 races, Francisco Saubidet has put in a strong performance with a win in race four, and five second places, putting him in second overall. Nicolas Godoli is in third place.
The first day of racing for Raceboard before the storm front, saw top positions changing constantly, but Marcos Galvan, who has not competed for some time, showed his experience and tactical manoevering remains valid as ever. He has won all seven races of the competition so far. In second place is former South American masters champion Fernando Consorte with Esteban de Pierris giving him a run for his money in third place.
3 races were completed on day two and another 2 in marginal planing conditions on day three.
With temperatures up around 32c under a bright blue sky, winds are expected to increase during the next two days of racing.
Stay tuned, or visit the event website for news, results and photos
