DAY ONE – RORC Easter Challenge

As if by magic the sun came out and the wind steadied in the southwest to give the competitors some fantastic sailing conditions in the RORC Easter Challenge.

The wind never dropped below 15 knots and some mighty gusts nudging the 30 knot barrier provided some sensational action in the first two races of the regatta.

IRC Super Zero

TEAMORIGIN Rio are a class act, they may not have much practice in a TP52 but today, they rose to the occasion. Right from the first start, they nailed the committee boat end with laser-like precision. The sight of the British America's Cup Team hooning downwind was awe-inspiring. Slick handling saw TEAMORIGIN Rio blow the opposition away to win both races.

"Great fun to be racing back home in spring conditions. The guys did a great job of getting us round a challenging course," commented Iain Percy, Tactician TEAMORIGIN Rio.

IRC Class Zero

Niklas Zennstrom's Farr 45 Rán was unstoppable downwind, extending his lead over the opposition. Niklas steered the boat all day in difficult conditions and should be congratulated on a great performance. However, Anthony O'Leary's Ker 39, Antix was nipping at their heels, a mere ten seconds was the margin of victory in the first race and Antix were also placed second after corrected time in Race Two. Tim Costello's Mills 43, Tiamat was third in both races.

IRC Class One

Christopher Opilok's Rockall III won the first race of the day, the Corby 36 has under gone an extensive re-fit and is set to be part of the Hong Kong team for the forthcoming Rolex Commodores' Cup. However, after a broach in the second race the boat had some damage to the pushpit and the yacht retired as a precaution. Conor Phelan driving Ker 37, Jump Juice had a more consistent day, posting a second and a first to lead the class from the Army Sailing Association's A 40, Toe in the Water and Andrew Iyer's First 40.7, Portia.

IRC Class Two

Peter Schofield's HOD 35 Seatrack had a great day at the office posting two bullets in probably the closest racing of the day. "Clear air and staying on the lifting tack were are two main objectives," commented Peter. "We didn't get especially good starts but bailing out and getting into clear air was vital. It sounds simple but when it is shifty, if your getting lifted, stick with that tack. Simple but effective."

Mike Moxley's HOD 35, Malice lies second in class after two races and Tim Octon's Corby 35, Njos is in third place.

IRC Class Three

Cowes resident, Adam Gosling steering Corby 36, Yes! had a perfect score card for the day , posting two bullets to stamp his authority on the class. However the British Keelboat Academy's two J 8Os not too far behind and after a great start in race one, Robert Baker's X 322, Brightwork is third in class.

Quarter Ton Class

Watching the diminutive Quarter Tonners negotiating the confused sea state on the way out to racing was admirable. You have to give credit to Louise Morton and her crew on Espada, the ladies were launched in race one. The all girl crew scampered home by some margin. However, the fleet did not finish Race Two.

For full results and stunning pictures see http://www.rorc.org