De Ridder takes European title

Rachel Larman reports from the Mumm 30 Europeans in Punta Ala

Sunny Italy did not live up to its reputation and the Mumm 30 Europeans was re-scheduled daily to fit around a series of storms. However a good series of seven close races was completed during the four-day event.

Based from Punta Ala, just across the water form Elba where the Worlds were held in 2003 the Mumm 30s were back in familiar waters. Teams from seven nations with a total of 20 boats took part including three British boats; Felicity, White Magic and White Shark.

A promising start for the British team White Shark with a second to the first windward mark of the regatta, hitting hard right under a rain cloud, paid off but taking 7th by the finish line. With two new crew members on board, crew morale was high. Felicity, at their First Mumm 30 Europeans, had a good start but sadly White Magic had gear failure with the main halyard. Race winner was Mean Machine and they continued to lead the regatta through to the end. Three races were completed on day one all in shifty breeze and rain.

Day two was postponed until late afternoon after the first race was abandoned due to no wind. A fourth race complete, a late finish and crew dinner followed. As did a day of no racing on day three. Floating around waiting for the wind to settle before and after each rain shower was tedious and at four in the afternoon - and welcomed by all - the days racing was postponed to a later date.

The last and final day and some wind! Three races completed with all three British boats up in the top ten during racing, in 18+ knots of breeze the boat handling and enjoyment factors rose. Close racing left White Shark with a 10th place in two races on the final day and a promising note for the future. Felicity also gained their best result of the week in the most challenging conditions. A convincing win and well deserved went to Mean Machine, however the series saw a five different race winners throughout the week.

Results
1st NED 7179 Mean Machine
2nd ITA 3076 La Marachella Di Dri’ Dri’
3rd MON 1 Parimor - Thule
14th GBR 30R White Shark
15th GBR 6330C Felicity
20th GBR 51R White Magic

For full results - click here