XOD Captain's Cup at Cowes Week 2024 - Day 1
by Rory Paton 28 Jul 20:19 NZST
27 July - 2 August 2024
Under 25 team on day 1 of XOD Captainis Cup at Cowes Week © Rory Paton
Once again the largest fleet at Cowes Week albeit with lower numbers than normal, the X One Designs race for the Captain's Cup, which they've been doing since 1930. It is still one of the hardest trophies to win in sailing. With many Olympic, World and National champions in the fleet, competition is fierce.
Saturday brought a leisurely start time at 13:50 slightly delayed by a general recall for the J70s. We had a classic beat along the green with the back eddy to assist and beach to avoid. This was followed by a long run down to the end of the Bramble bank, a windward leeward, topped by a good beat to the finish.
The tide change mid-race provided opportunities, the increased apparent wind gave a soggy end to the race.
Not to be outdone by the J70s the Xs were keen to get away and there was an inevitable general recall. The race team at the Squadron hoisted the black flag to instil some discipline and the line was clear at the 2nd go, X Ray James Markby, David Bedford and Ben Paton held an early lead.
Astralita John Tremlett, Frazer Graham and Tim Copsey then provided a master class in how to work the green and disappeared off. Ben McGrane, Richie Faulkner and James Ross made good gains to claim second ahead of serial Captain's Cup winner Peter Baines in Felix and X-ray.
A special mention to our under 25 team (see photo above) of Abby Hire, Tom and Kate Wharmby and Alex Paton; after a cautious start they picked their way up through the fleet. Today looks like being a less frantic day.
Full results for day 1