Two races were held on the first day of Wight Shipyard One Ton Cup. After a delay waiting for wind, a sea breeze kicked in for two windward leeward races held in a solid 10-15 knot south westerly.

Niklas Zennstrom’s Rán opened their challenge for the One Ton Cup with two bullets, winning both races by over a minute. Peter Morton’s Girls on Film, holder of the One Ton Cup, took second in both races. Girls on Film had a terrific battle with Stewart Whitehead’s Rebellion in the first race, and Bas de Voogd’s Hitchhiker in the second.

Niklas Zennstrom commented after racing: “With a lot of tide, it was necessary to take a big run up to the line today, trying to lose speed near the line is difficult due to the close proximity of the other boats. So the work is really done in the approach, quite some distance from the line. The boat was very quite today, which is a good sign; we made very few mistakes. This is the fifth regatta racing with the new younger members of our crew, and they have improved so much since the start of the season. The race management team made a good decision keeping us ashore waiting for the wind, and it is great that Peter Morton had a party after sailing at the Wight Shipyard. We all want good racing but it is important to get together as a class and enjoy each others company.”

Bas de Voogd’s Hitchhiker is in third position after two races just a point ahead of Stewart Whitehead’s Rebellion. “Today the start was very important and difficult to judge, with a strong tide pushing us,” commented Bas. “In the first race we didn’t get the best start and had to fight hard to make it back up to fifth. The second race, the start was near perfect and we held off Girls on Film for most of the race, but ended the day in third, all things considered, we had a good day.”

After racing Girls on Film owner, Peter Morton invited all of the FAST40+ teams and race officers to the Wight Shipyard for a Hog Roast supper and bar. All eleven of the Fast40+ teams came to the historic boat yard, and there was a loud round of applause for ‘Morty’ for his generosity.

Two races were held on the first day of Wight Shipyard One Ton Cup. © VR Sport Media

“Great racing and a good spirit after racing is what the FAST40+ Class is all about,” commented Rebellion’s Stewart Whitehead. “A lot of the sailors in the FAST40+ Class have raced together, there are a lot of good friends in the class. We all wave at each other after racing is done, but it is so nice to all moor up and have a proper chat when we get in. A big thank you to Morty and the Wight Shipyard for hosting us on the first day of the One Ton Cup.”

Racing at the Wight Shipyard One Ton Cup continues tomorrow, Friday 14 September.

Stay up to date with all the action through the FAST40+ Class Facebook page: facebook.com/FAST40UK and the official website: fast40class.com

by Louay Habib