Carnage in the Sigmas and Contessas

in the lively conditions of day one at Skandia Life Cowes Week

The Sigma 38 fleet started from the Committee boat line, anchored in the eastern Solent, in a moderate 15 knots westerly breeze. There were very few incidents as the boats crossed the start line, but Red Macaw had put themselves in a potentially dangerous position by attempting a port-end flyer. However, the helmsman opted for the safe route out, tacking away from the 20 starboard tack boats.

When the boats arrived at their first mark, West Ryde Middle, the wind was starting to build, gusting up to 20 knots for the fleet's first run. The gusts often shifted the wind direction forward, a fact often not noticed by today's competitors. This was the main reason why so many boats broached on the downwind legs of the course. However Polyphagus, race winners, excelled in these conditions to lead for the majority of the race.

The runs were made more difficult by the short chop and confused waves that were developing due to the tide running against the wind. Sigmaverick was the main casualty of the day, sailing head on into one of the course marks. Sigmaverick had been pushing hard in fifth place when a bad gybe five boat lengths from the mark resulted in an uncontrollable broach as they were hit by a large gust. Unable to regain control, the crew were forced to helplessly look on while the forestay was ripped away from the deck.

Fortunately they saved the rig, but unfortunately the damage will take over a day to repair, so Sigmaverick will have to wait until Monday to get back in to the racing.

In the Contessa 32 fleet, sailing in the middle Solent, they were also facing difficult seas, made worse by the fact they are slightly smaller than the Sigmas. For some the chop was too much, resulting in several incidents around the race course. In all, five Contessas were forced to retire. Among them were Green Pepper and Corrie.

Sailing downwind Corrie was hit by a large gust, accelerating the boat down a sizable wave towards the transom of Green Pepper. Corrie was unable to avoid Green Pepper, who was parked up at the mark, consequently sailing in to Green Pepper's stern bending the pushpit and leaving a large triangular shaped hole in the hull. Both boats are expected to be back on the race course for tomorrow's racing.