J-80 UK Class Association

The J/80 European Championship kicked off today with a delayed start. The usual “Ora” wind from the South was delayed which resulted in a delayed start and only two races taking place today. Just as the wind was full of surprises, so were the races. The Spanish dominated the leading positions all day finishing first (Martinez Luis in Forty Five), second (Ecc Viviendas) and third (Peraleja Golf). Happily for the hosting country, Federico Rajola’s OLJ Spirit Hatamuri took a first place in the first race, leading the fleet around the windward mark. They came tenth in the second race which left them lying fourth overall.

Of the UK entries, Team Baltic, helmed by Henry Bomby lead the UK boats finishing eighth overall followed by Aqua J helmed by Patrick Liardet in eleventh position and the Cardiff based Purple Haze helmed by Roger Dunstan in thirteenth position. So it was not a bad day for the ‘Brits’ considering it was such a large fleet of 46 boats. Let’s hope for good conditions tomorrow and another great day on the water for all the boats that have travelled so far. All wanting one thing – to win this Championship. If a country were to win, then Spain is surely  dominating. But of course everyone will try to learn from today and have a better result tomorrow. So watch this space! 

See www.fragliavela.org for the full set of results.