Final Report & Results

Well what a week that turned out to be we had it all, typical Garda weather, no wind, variable wind and a hell of a lot of wind.

All the fleet arrived on Sunday with boats from the UK and Australia turning up with a strong fleet from Perth Western Australia which is quickly turning into a hot bed for the fast growing Viper 640 fleet and where the first Viper 640 world Championships will be held now the fleet has gained world status.

Racing started on Monday with typical Garda weather, Lawrence Crispin crewed by long term friend Hector Cisneros and Andy Leigh showed a clean set of heels and won the first race in a brand new boat straight out of the box from Rondars. Behind was a close scrap for second place between the next three boats with Rod Berteaux, John Stubbs and Flying 15 veteran Rupert Leslie just pipping the Brits (Craig, Ryan, Duncan and Liam) from Falmouth and another Aussie boat sailed by Keith Swinton, Bruce & Arlyn Mattison and Ben Marler. Close racing indeed. The following race proved a bit of a mare for the winners of race one who dragged their kite at the first leeward mark whilst in the lead. This allowed Rod Berteaux and team to slip through and take the bullet in race two with another close scrap between Murray Howson, Chris O’Keefe and John Parkes who snatched second from Greame & Heather Monkhouse crewed by Nick Lewins and Robbie Stout, and new Viper Brits David Hitchcock and Ian Nicholson with David’s son Jamie into fourth. The last race of the day was and Aussie affair with the four uppers of the Mattison team taking the bullet.

Day 2 dawned cloudy and humid with the wind blowing down the lake, one race was started but was abandoned when the wind die away completely.

Day 3 started off a ground hog day from the day before with the first race being started and abandoned after the wind died completely. However more was to come, A Ponale wind (straight down the mountain) came out of nowhere plus for extra spice a thunderstorm and hail. Those closest to the wind didn’t know what hit them and had no time to drop sails and prepare. The fleet were advised by the rescue boats get in the water, capsized or turtled if possible, no mean feat in a Viper. Those further down the lake saw it coming and had time to drop their sails and prepare for the onslaught with gusts reaching 55 knots. Realising there was no more sailing for the day four Aussie boats and two British boats headed straight for the windsurfing centre under the lee of the cliffs. One Aussie swan to shore for Dark and Stormies for his fellow countrymen while the Brits opted to swim ashore for tea and cake.

The Ponale wind doesn’t last long and was soon followed by a strong Northerly wind (Peler) allowing everyone to sail back to the club and share their tales. The day proved a testament for not only the Viper fleet but the K6’s as well as there was no damage to the boats.

Thursday and Friday reverted back to normal Garda days.

First race Thursday resumed where it left off from Monday with all the boats finishing within seconds off each other, any slight mistake could prove costly and could lose you many places. The Mattisons took the first bullet of the day followed by team Berteaux and team Monkhouse. Race two proved even closer with Murray Howson and team winning, team Monkhouse second, the Falmouth Boys third and Dave, Ian & Jamie fourth. The latter three boats all being overlapped on the finish line nearly requiring a photo finish. Race three was significant, with Lawrence Crispin and team finally getting the bit between their teeth and taking the final race of the day.

After a fleet dinner on Thursday night with the K6’s Friday dawned with two races to go. In the first race Team Crispin had a bad start and had to chase the fleet hard, they managed to crawl their way from seventh at the first mark to take the win throwing the series wide open.

This win meant going into the last race any of the top four boats could take the series especially with a second discard kicking in. This time team Crispin got a clean start, however it was the Falmouth boys who lead at the first mark. The fleet split at the top mark with some going left some going right. Rounding at the leeward mark was close affair with the Falmouth boys just ahead of team Crispin with the rest of the fleet in hot pursuit. Team Crispin ground down the Falmouth boys up the last beat and rounded the last mark in the lead which they held onto at the finish, taking this bullet meant the week.

A fantastic memorable and eventful week sailing was had by all, a special thankyou to Fraglia della Vela Riva and to Gul who provided the prizes and the Viper Fleet looks forward to returning in two years’ time.

Day 3 – Another Difficult day on Lake Garda

 
The viper and K6 fleet were sent out on the regatta course despite the weather forecast, warning of possible thunder and rain.

After nearly two laps the race was once again abandoned in the drifting wind and imminent arrival of strong rain squalls and catabatic winds up to 50 knots which decimated the fleet for a short while.

Some damage was sustained to rigs and sails and It took most of the afternoon for all boats to be recovered safely to the harbour.

Day 2

 
A difficult day for competitors on Lake Garda.

Overcast sky and rain precluded the famous Ora wind developing on the lake. After some delay the Race Officer started the two fleets well down lake on the light northerly breeze but after just one round it was abandoned for both classes.

A new start area was established but the light breeze never settled or strengthened and the fleet were eventually all towed back to the harbour.

Another difficult day for the PRO is expected today (Wednesday) with rain and thunder forecast.

Day 1

Photos: Fausto Maroni