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Hyde Sails one-two at J/80 nationals
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
The recent UK nationals in Cardiff saw 'Boats.com' top the fleet, and with a second Hyde boat second, showing the latest J/80 sails from Hyde are the ones to beat!The Tacktick Suunto J/80 nationals was hosted by Cardiff Bay YC and saw Hyde Sails-clad boats taking the top two spots. Light breeze dominae the first two days, with increased pressure for the final day of racing. Rob Larke, manager of the Hyde Sails Cowes loft, was on board the overall winner, Ian Atkins' 'Boats.com', an impressive nine points ahead of second-placed 'Elle s'appelle' (Thor Askeland), which also sported Hyde Sails. Scott Cole's 'Purple Haze' was third.
Tactician on the winning boat, Rob Larke, commented: "It was areally good and well organised event. We had high hopes of winning, but the weather on the opening day was light and anything could have happened, but we were really lucky to have great boat speed to get us out of some sticky situations to get a 1,1,3."
He put their success down to a winning combination of a strong team and good boat setup: "The team worked really well with Karen on bow, 'Perma-tan Dan' on trim with myself and Ian Atkins working the boat in the right direction most of the time," Rob explained. "Our downwind speed was also key in the light and in the windy conditions, we always went forward on the downwind legs."Rob added: "The top two boats used Hyde sails and they are all this year's designs. We have a great tuning guide for the sails that is easy to use! All you have to do is set the boat up to the rig guide and off you go and to prove this, 'Thor', which came second hasn't sailed for about 15 years and has just started competing again."
The next focus for the class is the Europeans in Larke Garda in June.
HYDE SAILS COWES
Cowes Yacht Haven
Vectis Yard
Cowes, Isle of Wight
PO31 7AY
T: +44 (0)1983 281100
M: +44 (0)7737 853914
Email: Cowes@hydesails.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
13:24
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