Tuesday 10 May 2011

Match Race Open de Espana, Calpe: Black Swan Racing (AUS) finish 5th


Black Swan Racing (Keith Swinton). Image copyright RCNC.

by Black Swan Racing media

Today was another tight day in Calpe. The breeze was up, with 10-20 knots from the north east. We had three races all of which were very important to help our chances of progressing to the semi-final. We started well with a come from behind win against fellow Australian Evan Walker and followed this up by defeating Steffan Lindberg.

In the final race against French veteran Bertrand Pace we took the start but Pace kept it close up the work. On the first run he managed to force us past the bottom mark but in doing so he was penalised by the umpires. Unfortunately from here Pace was able to extend, picking up a big wind shift on the left. He was then able to complete his penalty on the line and finish ahead. This left us stranded on 6 wins, 5 losses. From here we needed some results to go our way but it wasn't to be, missing the semi-final on count back.


Swinton chasing hard. Image copyright RCNC.

Although very disappointed we realise how close we were to making the top four in a very competitive grade 1 field. Every race of the regatta, we were always fighting for the win which is a very good sign for the team.

Black Swan Racing is Keith Swinton, Olof Lundgren, Jakob Gustafsson and Ricky McGarvie.

Black Swan Racing would like to thank our supporters: Westrac Pty Ltd - the Equipment Management Company, Welling & Crossley PTY LTD, Abbotts PTY LTD Chartered Accountants, McNally Group PTY LTD, Musto Australasia and Trendmark Sweden Agent for Musto.

RCNC