The sixth race of the Kings Cup proved a step too far for China Briefing as the high winds caused problems for crew and control, and a ‘safety first’ conservative racing attitude was adopted to get the yacht through the tough conditions. With winds to 30 knots, and the yacht only insured to go out in up to 25 knot winds, the smaller size of China Briefing’s Jeanneau 32 was no match for the larger, more powerful boats, some of them up to 18 feet longer and with considerably larger and more powerful sails. The yacht finished 12th, still a credible performance given several entrants were unable to finish and retired. The result means the China Briefing team finished eight overall, dropping down two places from sixth on the final day. Over 110 yachts competed, including teams from Coca-Cola, Bentley, IFC Bank, Neil Pryde, and Monte Cristo.
A well deserved Cuban cigar at the Race Finish Party
In rather calmer waters, unfurling the jib
Competitors hard on our heels