I'd assumed the Primo Cup would be a few days in a beautiful sun
filled Monaco bay, 14 knots, flat seas and a chance to reacquaint with the J24
after 7 months off for me. As it turned out the weather had different ideas.
Seas that were unprecedented at nearly 9ft from peak to trough and winds that
topped 30 knots I found that I had little time to think about more than hanging
on. There was an air of dogged determination on our boat, no one wanted to admit
they were cold, sea-sick and wet to the core. Fortunately we were able to hide
behind the decision of the race organisers who declared it 'titanic conditions'
after one race and thought that it was best to cancel racing for the day after
plucking one too many sailor from the sea. The conditions gave Carlo Borlenghi, the photographer, fantastic photo
opportunities - fortunately, you can't see my fear filled eyes as we are
climbing the mountainous seas.
There was only one day where the weather only
allowed one race, which is a credit to the race organisers who organised the
racing very efficiently, adapting to the conditions to give us some great
races. The yacht club hosted some great evening entertainment and are looking
forward to welcoming more UK teams next year. The Primo is a fantastic event to
kick-start the season and prepare for the big regattas later in the year,
Monaco will be hosting the J24 European Championship from 6 to 12 October 2013,
so put both events in your diary for 2013. You wont be disappointed and can
expect and fabulous few days racing. We enjoyed the regatta, gained some
experience sailing in big seas and gained a 3rd and two 4th in some tricky
conditions. It was great to be sailing with Denis Frederiksen and Marianne
Schoke again who both kept us on our toes,
it was a very competitive event.
There was success for Monaco with regular
participant in the Primo Cup, Francois Brenac, taking first place with his crew
on St Andrews Insecurities., Mariane took second, sailing on Julia. A second
Monegasque triumph went to Claude Rodelato who came in third on Topo Too, Jolly
Roger came 5th overall with Dennis in 4th. It was great to be back on the
water!
Nina Squire - Jolly Roger
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