Sunday 12 October 2008

Mirsky Racing Team report on their Experiences at the Bermuda Gold Cup


Mirsky Racing Team competing at the 2008 Bermuda Gold Cup. Image copyright Charles Anderson.

by Kinley Fowler

A dramatic day on the water on day two saw us finish the day with just 1 win from 3 matches, leaving us on 3 wins and 3 losses. We had three very close races, and were displaying some spectacular boat handling, but with some umpire calls not going our way it just wasn’t enough to ensure a spot in the top 4.

Once again small mistakes mean that we are facing a must win match tomorrow against Areva skipper Sebastian Col who has already qualified into the quarters with 4 wins under his belt. Although Col is sailing well, today’s matches proved that we are moving in the right direction to make it through to the next round, so we will be able to approach tomorrow’s race with confidence.

Our 3rd match of the day against Johnnie Berntesson from Sweden was an exciting match which saw three penalties given. We lead around the track, but had to clear a penalty after Berntesson had luffed us at the starting line, so slowed down at the final top mark to try and suck him into a trap. We managed to pull the manoeuvre off, wiping our penalty and still maintaining a marginal lead.

We then gybed onto starboard and attacked Berntsson again, however during the manoeuvre Torvar slipped and dislocated his knee cap. With nobody steering we rounded up into his stern and were given another penalty. We still had control of Berntesson, but were then given a second penalty after the umpires deemed us to be sailing above our proper course, which allowed him to sail freely to the finish line.

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

Mirsky Racing Team

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