Kit Hobday, owner and skipper of the Farr 52 Bear of Britain, had mixed feelings about his team’s performance during today’s racing at Cork Week. In the light, shifty conditions which dogged most of the fleets, Bear of Britain excelled in the first race to lead at the first windward mark. However, a tactical error offwind when they failed to gybe with the other two top contenders,left them sitting in a hole and slipping down the fleet to third at the leeward mark.

Frustrated with watching from the sidelines, Hobday promptly boarded the boat for the second race and changed things around. “This afternoon’s race was a big improvement. The crew sailed well and we crossed the line in first place which we’re all very happy about. Although we don’t yet know the overall result.”

Talking about his recent qualification in the Commodores’ Cup, Hobday believes that the selection system could be improved to include major regattas such as Cork, Round the Island Race and a couple of special races to make up the series. “Cork is a great regatta, one of the best, and should be included in the overall selection series for the Commodores’ Cup.” And looking ahead to the rest of the week? “Our first job is to beat the other Farr 52s, our second job is to beat the other big boats, the next job is to beat our group and then the rest of the fleet overall!”

Watch this space.

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