Shock Exit For World Champion
Long Beach, California, USA (8th April 2016): The US Postal Service has a saying: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” That could be the new motto of the Long Beach Yacht Club Race Committee and Congressional Cup, in Stage Two of the World Match Racing Tour.
Despite three days of rain, light air, shifting breeze, drizzle, gusts, cross currents, and a drenching fog, LBYC PRO Randy Smith and his Race Committee pulled off 66 matches, to complete Qualifying.
The international field of racers willingly obliged, saying, “that’s sailing,” as the weird and wet weather system overtook Southern California.
But there was breeze. Wafting, light, but steady; from the south, but enough to complete the round.
In the end, Phil Robertson (NZL) with 10 points, maintained a solid lead, followed by Chris Steele (NZL), Nicolai Sehested (DEN) and defending champion Taylor Canfield (ISV) at eight points each: all of whom automatically moved into the Quarter Finals, alongside Bjorn Hansen (SWE) and Sam Gilmour (AUS).
Initially repêchage racing was underway in the Congressional Cup Stadium, to determine the final two Quarter Finalists. ‘Repêchage’ is from the French term ‘second chance’ – a round that gives the defeated teams a last-ditch opportunity to qualify for the Quarter Finals.
But as winds dwindled, PRO Smith was concerned that with further disruptive weather forecast, continuation of the repêchage would jeopardise the Quarter Finals and Semi Finals. He and WMRT Racing Director Craig Mitchell decided to terminate the repechage.
That decision abruptly eliminated the bottom four contenders: Johnie Berntsson (SWE), Keith Swinton (AUS), Sally Barkow (USA) and Ian Williams (GBR) – reigning World Champion, who said he looks forward to coming back next year, “and redeeming ourselves.”
Meanwhile Eric Monnin (SUI) and Scott Dickson (USA) received last-minute salvation; and go on to the Quarter Finals.
Frontrunner Robertson admitted today’s racing embraced, “the most hectic pre-start ever, with four hoists and 10 circles,” against Hansen. He will race against Gilmour; while Dickson will be paired with Steele; who confessed to a “very tough day” adding, “we’re surprised to still be sitting in second place.” Sehested will be matched with Hansen, and Canfield vs. Monnin, in Saturday’s opening matches.
Congressional Cup racing continues through Sunday in the waters adjacent to the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach, beginning at 1130 daily.
Images are available on www.wmrt.com under Media in the Congressional Cup gallery.
Results after Qualifying Day 2
1. Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing 10-1
2. Chris Steele (NZL) 36 Below Racing 8-3
3. Taylor Canfield (ISV) US One 8-3
4. Nicolai Sehested (DEN) Trefor Match Racing 8-3
5. Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Nautiska Racing 7-4
6. Sam Gilmour (AUS) Neptune Racing 6-5
7. Eric Monnin (SUI) Albert Riele Swiss Team 4-7
8. Scott Dickson (USA) Dickson Racing 4-7
9. Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Flux Team 4-7
10. Keith Swinton (AUS) Black Swan Racing 3-8
11. Sally Barkow (USA) Team Magenta 32 2-9
12. Ian Williams (GBR) GAC Pindar 2-9
Quarter Final Pairings
Match 1 Sam Gilmour v Phil Robertson
Match 2 Scott Dickson v Chris Steele
Match 3 Eric Monnin v Taylor Canfield
Match 4 Bjorn Hansen v Nicolai Sehested
