ISO Eurocup - La Rochelle (25th - 28th July 2006)

The 2006 ISO Eurocup was held at La Rochelle in Western France. The event, sponsored by Cousin Trestec, was hosted by the Societe des Regates Rochelaises. The racing took place between the 25th and 28th July. With several teams arriving on the weekend, there was plenty of time for last minute tuning and some practice out on the water. Others decided to enjoy the glorious weather and beaches in the surrounding locations. The town itself provided plenty of shopping opportunities for the WAGS.

Tuesday arrived and racing got underway in a light westerly breeze which appeared a little fickle. Lloyd Walker and Graham Sexton in 1176 Neilpryde II took an early lead and looked good going in to the last leg. Ian and Simon Keam-George in 1200 and Andrew and Vicky Gould in 1037 were in pursuit. At this point, race one got off to a slightly controversial start - when the final leeward mark was moved as the three were approaching it. The Keam-Georges in Dyneestar took line honours followed by Mike Lillywhite/ Tom Kennedy in 815 and Neilpryde II. Andrew and Vicky Gould came home fourth. Later the race officer accepted appeals for redress and the results were Neil Pryde II 1st, Dyneestar 2nd, and the Goulds Flying Prune 3rd.

Race two saw Jonny Wells crewed by Katie Keam-George in Neilpryde I move up a gear to come home 2nd behind Flying Prune. They were followed by Dyneestar.

The third race of the day saw a new contender at the front of the fleet. Richard Lewis with son Matt, sailing 553 Farter and Chunder were runners up to Flying Prune this time.

Wednesday afternoon three races were held in similar conditions. This was to be the Lewis finest hour, taking two bullets and a third showing a great display in the tricky conditions. By now the wind couldn't make its mind up whether to swing to the left or the right, and many a head was swimming with compass numbers all night. The only cure being more local wine - the Rose was found to be particularly efficacious. Wednesday evening saw Farter and Chunder living up to their names after much celebrating back at the campsite.

The previous night a hurricane was forecast and boats were all tied down. Thanks to all those concerned. In the morning the wind was blowing about force four and everyone prepared, wondering what was to come. In the event the wind dropped a bit rather than increased and the thunder faded away, much to everyones relief.

The first race saw chairman Bob sailing his new boat 1157 Cousin Trestec, crewed by Luke Draper, runner up to Dyneestar. The last race of the day saw a team Neilpryde one-two, with Jonny and Katie taking line honours ahead of Lloyd and Graham, and the Lewis in close pursuit.

The final day of racing provided near perfect conditions; a strong breeze and plenty sunshine. In race 1 Neilpryde II started at the pin end and tacked onto port crossing all but Flying Prune. By the windward mark Neilrpyde II and Dyneestar had established a good lead over the rest of the fleet, with Neilpryde I leading the chasing pack. The race finished in this order with fast downwind sailing on the good waves.

Sailing in his final ISO race past legend IKG led from start to finish, giving the rest of the fleet a good lesson in the windy conditions. The ex National, European, and Inland champion has decided to move on to his flying bedstead as he is too old for skiff sailing. All was still to play for with three boats still up for the championship. Flying Prune, Farter & Chunder and Neilpryde I were all in contention. A capsize for Flying Prune on the last beat did not prove disastrous, as the Goulds made a quick recovery to finish 4th. In the event this was good enough to give them the European title. A 1st and a 2nd on the final day moved Dyneestar from 4th to 2nd overall with the Lewis' taking third. Only six points separated the first five places demonstrating how close the racing had been.

In the final analysis the week provided a brilliant event. The hosts made us all very welcome and, with boats coming from four countries, it was very sociable. Well done to Steve Bell for organizing such a memorable Regatta.

 

Overall Results Here....

Pro-Am Results Here....