XOD Captain's Cup at Cowes Week 2024 - Day 3
by Rory Paton 30 Jul 07:27 NZST
27 July - 2 August 2024
The XOD fleet held back from the line until the final 30 seconds, but a few pulled the trigger early and were forced to bear away along the line to burn time. Even then two boats were called OCS, only one of which returned.
Barry and Carol Dunning's Crumpet initially appeared well placed, just to windward of Roger Heath & Roger Ewart Smith's Onyx, while Roger Yeoman's Xcitation and John Tremlett, Tim Copsey, Fraser Graham's Astralita also looked good.
These two boats prevailed at the end of the 170 minute race, with Astralita taking a third consecutive victory 90 seconds ahead of Xcitation. The race to complete today's podium could hardly have been closer, with Richard Faulkner's Swallow taking third place, at the head a group of seven boats that crossed the line in only 30 seconds.
Special mention today goes to Barry Dunning sailing with wife Carol and Mike Hobby. After a couple of difficult days for one of our former Olympic sailors, they were right up at the front.
Overall so far, with plenty that could go right or wrong:
1/. Astralita John Tremlett, Fraser Graham and Tim Copsey 3 points
2/. Swallow Ben McGrane, Richie Faulkner and James Ross 7 points
3/. Claire de Lune Max Crowe, Simon McCarthy, Mike Crowe 15 points
Results for day 3