The Aussies are on fire in Porto Alegra! Day One of the 2019 World Championships is in the book and there are some stories to relate! The day started with the traditional Opening Ceremony with all the pomp and circumstance befitting the event. Race Officer Fred Rocha was the Master of Ceremonies and introduced the various dignitaries from the city and host club. A few speeches, the Brazilian National Anthem and a Flag Ceremony at which Sean represented Australia was the order of the morning
The Opening Ceremony provided a chance for a group photo. Jen Golison is taking some fantastic photos, which are being uploaded onto facebook, and she took a few great shots of the skippers.
The Aussie team around the flag at the Opening ceremony. Seems Rosco is attempting to join the lone ex-pat Aussie (Stan Wallace) who is sailing for the Bahamas - sonding whether Rosco has a long term plan in mind?
The boats which had been 'left behind' by the various participants seemed to appear in time for the very lucky (and possibly slightly lighter in the pocket area) competitors to register, measure and make it to the starting line in time (just).
Before too long, the seeding races were underway and the action was on for young and old. Rosco managed something no Western Australian has ever achieved - a race win at a World Championship! Taking the lead in his seeding race, Rosco never looked back, taking the gun. Well - Rosco was definitely going to 'buy the beers' that night, which was just as well, as the beers were free!
Try getting a good start in this company! Notice that Sean is taking a conservative but low risk approach. Clearly the port end of the line is favoured - otherwise all the 'guns' wouldn't be there. 39 is Stollery, 148 is Jonsey, 30 is Kovesevic and 35 is Jelacic - the reigning World Champion. Sean is 171 and is making a start just to windward of this really fast group in clear space, with a lane to sail in. Really good spot if you want to start in touch, but with control.
The outcome - 3rd around the top mark with the leaders right in your sights. Notice the wind and chop - so common at today's big regattas. Practice in these conditions is vital if you are interestesd in performing well.
Edgar (69), Stan (169) and Jonesy (148) making their way upwind. Couple of interesting observations - Graeme Bantock is racing a Britpop! made by Denis Astbury, presumably with Sails etc sails. Rosco reports that Bantock is really fast and expects him to return towards the top of the fleet at this regatta. Graeme's big fleet experience over many years is a factor which cannot be denied, and his change of 'steed' is a very topical point of conversation. There are a number of 'big names' who are down the list at the moment, but are not expected to stay there for long. France's Olivier Cohen has had a couple of incidents which have held him back, but we don't expect to see him there for long. Mark Golison had a mechanical issue which made him drop down to the E fleet. Mark is an excellent skipper, and after he rejoined the racing, he won the E,D and C fleet races, and promoted from the B to rejoin the game tomorrow.
Rosco edging out Ante Kovesevic for the seeding heat win!
Resuld for the first day:
Sean is in second place, Rosco in 12th on countback from Jonsey (13th). Dougy Allen is sitting in 18th, Russell Grey had a great day and is in 23rd, John Cole-Cook in 25th, Edgar is in 45th and John Gower is in 67th palce. Overall - a terrific start to what looks like a fantastic event.
Facebook and Instagram have some videos and plenty of photos. The Worlds website is a bit slower to update, but hopefully will catch up. Watch www.rsawa.asn.au daily for updates too!
Keep up the great work Aussies!