It was the perfect opening day at the SSL Gold Cup Africa and Oceania Qualifier for the Seychelles Vann Swet team, powering into the lead after a good start, and then defending well to hold off the fast-charging Tahiti team to win the only race of the day.
Captain Allan Julie described their day, “We are very pleased. We had a very good start, we went well on the first upwind leg, our spinnaker work was ok and fast – I feel very happy with my team. Calculating the angles in light winds is very difficult, especially without a lot of experience on these yachts, and it was quite nervy towards the finish, but with the experience I have we were able to keep it together and win the race in the end.”
A storm then hit Lake Neuchâtel sending the fleet ashore, but conditions look great for Wednesday afternoon, which should allow three races to be held, bringing the schedule back on track.