ESS Act 3 Istanbul

The 3rd Act of the series did not go our way, despite showing moments of brilliance. We started the first 3 races of the event well in the light sea breeze, however this then switched around to the more standard northerly breezes and unfortunately so went our form in the 12 to 17 knts we then raced in. The racing it self must have been brilliant to watch, with 8 highly tuned X40's flying on one hull in front of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and heaps more amazing historical landmarks some of which have been around since 500AD!!! From the start the charge was lead by Red Bull and Oman the Wave, both sailing brilliantly. As the regatta moved on it was the french team though who put Leigh and his team on the wave under the most pressure eventually finishing second with Redbull in 3rd, Oman air 4th and then a great performance in there new boat from SAP. We finished a disappointing 6th but knowing where our mistakes were made we hope to rebound strongly at the next event in Porto, Portugal. The sailing highlight for GAC Pindar was day 3, and the long distance races up and down the Bosphorus which seperates Europe and Asia. We claimed a good 3rd racing up the passage and under the bridges, but then dominated the downwind race, winning by some 2-3 minutes. Alongside those great results, in the long distance races, we had a really rewarding guest sailing each morning where GAC Turkey sponsor Local Orphanages, taking groups of 4-6 8-12yr olds sailing some having never seen the sea was just a great experience!