Colin Samuelson – Redwing, Toucan
“The wind gods were definitely smiling down on us today because somehow we managed to escape all the wind holes and win by 13 minutes. Basically we had a very good start, which was key, then sailed a good course round the holes. It was a tough three-hour race but it was finally shortened at Brambles, which was a good decision by the race officer.
“As we crossed the line, we saw the second boat fall into a hole and all those behind follow. It was all a bit congested but they all finished fairly close once the wind filled in again.”
Jonny Vincent – FAST40+, Pace
“We knew we had it all to do after a terrible start, we were eighth around the first mark and in that situation it is easy for heads to drop, but the crew know our tactician Jeremy (Robinson) never gives up and that I am as stubborn as a mule.
“We kept going and waited for our chance and when it came we took it. Near the end of the race, we saw boats hitting a wind hole and picked a line around them and got through. Call it luck, call it what you like but it was our chance and we got it because we didn't give up and we sailed extremely well as a team to recover from the start to be there for that chance.”
Matt Middleton-Leal, Cyberark, Sunsail Match First 40 , main trimmer
“We are delighted because this is our second win of the week. I think I put it down to practice, teamwork and concentration. We were hoping it would be the more usual two and an half hours but it turned out to be five hours, which is a long time for concentration. The team did exceptionally well in the light winds today, which was very important considering some had never been on a boat before. All we had was about 30 minutes before the start to teach them how to sail. They did good, and we are just about to go and celebrate.”
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