Gold Cup in Full Swing

Eighty-six sailors representing almost 30 countries kicked off the Finn Gold Cup Monday. With sunshine, breeze that topped out in the low-20s, and some typical Circle slop, the fleet got the weather promised in the brochure. Although there was a general recall in the first race due to the 1,800-ft starting line being too pin-favored, the second race went off on the first try. The host St. Francis YC‘s Racing Manager John Craig and PRO Kevin Reeds sent the fleet on the same course for both races — a windward/leeward, triangle, finish. The first featured 1.5-mile beats, and the second featured a nearly two-mile beat.

The breeze and slop meant that the mud found 8 to 12 feet underwater off Marina Bay Yacht Harbor claimed a few of the boats’ spendy carbon rigs. Early leader Rafa Trujillo scored a 2-1 on Monday, but came back with a shocker on Tuesday, counting a 35-10 which sent him tumbling down the standings to seventh place. Briton Ed Wright knocked off two bullets yesterday, but it was France’s Thomas le Breton who breezed into the lead on the strength of an 8-7-3-3 scoreline. America’s top Finn sailor, St. Francis YC member Zach Railey, has been very consistent, scoring a 5-5-7-4 to hold down second place. The regatta continues through Saturday, and is well worth watching — if you aren’t able to make it over there, you can even watch it live on the event’s website.