WMRT: YANMAR Racing on Day 2 in Korea

by Rob Kothe

The weather was sunny and hazy with no wind, so the day proved to be a long waiting game for the 12 crews. The breeze came in at around 3pm and YANMAR Racing began sailing at 5pm, in the third flight of the day.

The first match for four times ISAF World Champion Peter Gilmour (AUS) and his YANMAR Racing crew of Martin Berntsson, Cameron Dunn, Yasuhiro Yaji and Thierry Douillard was against 2007 and 2008 World Match Racing Champion Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar.

YANMAR Racing bowman Berntsson reported 'Unfortunately it was a short one. We were penalised in the first dial up and then received a second penalty in a 'room to tack' situation on the first upwind. So after the second penalty of the race it was very much game over for us.'

In the second match YANMAR Racing sailed against defending Korea Match Cup Champion Paolo Cian's (ITA) Team Italia.

Berntsson continues. 'We did a good job in the pre-start but were just a little too eager at the very last ... we were forced back and we started just behind Cian.

'We kept close on the first upwind beat and rounded the top mark just one boat length behind. However with good downwind trimming we established an overlap half way down the first downwind leg and we were able to roll him after the first gybe.

'And after a gybing dual close to the downwind mark we were able to start the second upwind in front of him. When we established the lead, we covered him carefully and we held on, although the second lap was very tight.

'So YANMAR Racing managed 1-1 today and have 2-3 overall.

'Our mistakes have proven painful but I think we are sailing well and keeping the races close. We are looking for a positive result on the scoreboard for Day 3 of the round robin series.'

YANMAR Racing
World Match Racing Tour