Victory for Computer Associates

18 foot Skiff Velamare Cup concludes reports Peter Danby

John 'Woody' Winning, Anthony 'Jack' Young and Euan McNicol sailing Computer Associates won the final two races in fine style on Saturday to take the Velamare Cup.

With the three leading boats on equal points after 11 races at the start of the day, and perfect 18 foot Skiff sailing conditions of a 20 knot breeze in unbroken sunshine, the scene was set for an outstanding afternoon of sailing to determine the winners of this international championship.

Right from the start of the opening race, Computer Associates and Omega Smeg sailed by Trevor Barnabas, Phil Hebden and Trent Barnabas battled tack for tack, with Computer Associates slightly ahead and keeping their rivals under close cover. Gradually, Computer Associates achieved the upper hand, and finished the opening race with a substantial lead.

The final race of the series again saw Computer Associates holding the initial advantage, but the Omega Smeg team refused to give up without a fight, and they managed to take the lead briefly on the final beat. However, their Australian adversaries soon regained the upper hand, and went on to win the race and the championship.

Fisher & Paykel sailed by Grant Rollerson, Glenn Raphael and Chris Cleary who had sailed well throughout the series retained third place overall, and the British team of Andy Richards, Andrew Fairley and Dave Richards on Radii finished a good fourth.

The event had been a great success, in a wonderful venue with excellent sailing conditions. Most of the twenty three teams from ten nations were accommodated on site, and thoroughly enjoyed the convivial atmosphere and good food at the Velamare Club. The principal sponsor, the Metauromare Group, along with the supporting sponsors will no doubt be very pleased to have been associated with such a successful series.