Sailors Continue To Compete In SSL Gold Cup
Bermuda’s team continued to compete in the SSL Gold Cup in Gran Canaria, Spain.
A spokesperson said, “With the wind dropping off, keeping the yachts moving became imperative, especially with the difficult swell. It’s hot out here in Gran Canaria, but cool and smooth was the order of the day.
“At the start, Hungary and Finland weren’t making it easy for Tahiti, who were at the pin end and tried to pull off a hard luff on the Hungarian ‘Shamans’, but ‘The Black Pearls’ ended up wallowing in the wind shadow of the windward yacht. Protest flags were flown on both boats, but the on the water umpires saw no reason to give either team a penalty.
“This poor start showed the pressure was finally telling on the previously undefeated Tahitian team. Would they pull themselves together or had they reached breaking point?
“The race briefly saw the reverse order from yesterday towards the leeward mark with Finland leading, Hungary second, Bermuda third and Tahiti lagging behind in last.
“On the final downwind leg Hungary came in to take the win, with Tahiti staging an epic comeback to just pip Finland on the finish line. ‘The Black Pearls’ string of five wins came to an end, but they’ve maintained top spot on the Fleet 2 leaderboard with their runners-up result.”
