ISO Europeans - Lake Maggiore, Italy (2nd - 5th August)
This year's ISO Eurocup was held at Lake Maggiore, located in North Italy on the Swiss border. The host club was Unione Velica Maccagno, who made all the competitors very welcome.
To join the 11 Italian ISOs were 9 from the UK, 1 from the Netherlands, 1 from Greece and 1 from Germany, which set the scene for an interesting and competitive Eurocup. The majority of competitors arrived in good time to make final tweaks to their boats and test the lake.
Saturday was a relaxed morning under the shade of the trees covering the launching area as the first race was not due to start until 13.00, in time for this the southerly wind arrived for the 23 Isos to head for the start line in a comfortable force 3 to 4. The Isos were joined by a fleet of Buzzes and Fireballs giving a total of over 60 boats on the course.
The first race had a clean start with Pete and Annie (ISO 1013) leading the fleet to the windward mark. They held their lead to the end of the race followed by local Italian ISOs sailed by Marco and Matteo (ISO 1200) in 2nd and Marco and Gianluca (ISO 722) in 3rd.
The second race saw a decrease in wind to a force 3. Another clean start was made by ISO 1013 leading to another first place, followed by ISO 722 in 2nd and Bob and Luke (ISO 814) in 3rd position.
The final race of the day saw a further decrease in wind strength with it being shortened during the second lap at the windward mark. ISO 1013 completed their day with another 1st place this time followed by ISO 814 in 2nd place and Stuart and Zoe (ISO 586) in 3rd place.
Another relaxing morning was enjoyed on the Sunday whilst waiting for the Southerly wind to arrive, on arrival it was a little less than Saturday at force 2 to 3.
The fourth race led to another win for ISO 1013 who appeared unbeatable at this event! ISO 814 were 2nd and ISO 722 3rd.
There was a change to come in race 5 with Rob and Barry (ISO 1022) leading the fleet following a tactical move in shore on the 1st downwind leg, they kept their lead until the approach to the leeward for the final time when ISO 1013 managed to re-claim 1st place, ISO 1022 finished in a close 2nd followed by ISO 722 in 3rd, the battle for 4th place between ISO 586 and 814 was won by 814 when 586 left too much room at the leeward mark.
The sixth race was shortened to 1 ½ laps with a decreasing wind as in the previous day. ISO 1013 won with 814 2nd and 722 in 3rd place.
Monday was full of anticipation as the competitors waited for the wind to arrive. This was a perfect time for Pro-Am partners to exchange tips on boat set-up and sailing tips. The wind never arrived so a relaxing day was had, prizes were awarded to all competitors by Maccagno Sailing Club, which was followed by a meal at a restaurant overlooking Lake Majorie for all competitors, good food, good wine and interesting spirits were had, many not returning for more Grappa!! This combined with an 8am start for race 7 was not a good combination for some!!
Tuesday morning arrived and so did the promised Northerly wind, the fleet arrived at the start line full of enthusiasm and the race was started promptly. The fleet quickly approached the windward mark, which was unfortunately heading towards the leeward mark!! The fleet rounded the moving mark and enjoyed the downwind leg towards the starting area, at which point the race was abandoned. The race was re-started fairly quickly in slightly less wind and ISO 814 continued their improving form to take 1st place, 1013 were second with 722 in 3rd. A following race was started, but due to a large wind shift and a decreasing wind the race was abandoned and the competitors headed back to shore to wait for the southerly wind to arrive later in the day.
The southerly wind arrived a little later so the fleet headed back onto the water for the final 2 races. Race 8 started with a few ISOs heading for the starboard end of the line with a bit too much enthusiasm causing a large raft of ISOs!! A few penalty turns followed and then the fleet got away, Ian Moss (ISO 1207) took full advantage of this by getting a clean start away from the line and maintained a lead to the finish to get 1st position, 2nd place was taken by 814 and 3rd by 722.
The final race started well with the top 3 places already confirmed, however, a battle was in place for positions 4th to 7th, split by only several points. This battle continued to the final downwind leg where all 4 boats were together and heading for the leeward mark, 1207 rounded first to get 4th place (7th place overall). Various tactics were used along the downwind leg by the other 3 boats which led to 586 having right of way at the mark and following a dodgy gybe this advantage led to a 5th place (4th place overall), followed by ISO 1200 (5th overall) and 1022 (6th overall).
Congratulations to Pete and Annie for sailing consistently well throughout the event and winning the ISO Eurocup 2008. Congratulations also to Bob and Luke for coming 2nd and Marco and Gianluca for 3rd position.
Many Thanks to Unione Velica Maccagno for hosting a friendly and welcoming event, and to all those involved in organising a well run and enjoyable event.
Overall Results Here....
Pro-Am Results Here....
