Ireland's Melges 24 'Embarr' crew skippered by Conor Clarke stay in fiftth overall after three days racing at the Melges World Championships in Texas. Conditions yesterday were much fresher than the first day and the Irish crew are finding physical fitness is a key requirementas the conditions breezed up over the last two days. Photos and results at the bottom of this post.
The ability to out hike and out "grunt" the competition can give you those vital metres needed at marks.
Ireland's sole entry continues to have excellent boatspeed both up and downwind but the tiniest mistakes at the corners can cost many many boats and the Irish crew admit they are still a bit 'rough round the edges'.
Ireland's Embarr crew on their way to second in race six yesterday on Corpus Christi Bay
Helmed by Olympic Gold medalist Nathan Wilmot Ireland's Embarr fought a close race all around the course in race six with defending world champions "Uka Uka Racing" but had to settle for second at the finish.
The others onboard the Irish boat are Bow: Maeve Judge, Howth YC (they needed a sub 50kg person to make up the weight limit and Maeve is a triathlete and top dinghy crew so she fitted the bill perfectly) Pit & Owner: Conor Clarke, Royal Irish YC and Royal Jamaica YC. Spi trim: Maurice O'Connell, RSGYC and RCYC. Jib trim/tactician: David Hughes, San Diego (a top US pro sailor / coach) and Helm: Nathan Wilmot (the 470 Gold Medallist and triple 470 World Champion)
Conor Clarke was a stalwart of the 1720 class in Dublin for years for years and still owns the 1720 "Wow" which he keeps in
Lake Garda. Conor works for Digical in Jamaica, hence Royal Jamaica YC entry.
Embarr is now fifth overall (equal points to 4th) but it's all incredibly tight with the points gap being tiny - they are a single point behind second overall.
"Uka Uka", even at this half way stage are "looking rosy" to defend their title but there's still 50% of the 12 race programme to complete.
The Irish crew are giving it all they've got though. Even after two tough races they practiced some more manoeuvres on the way into the harbour yesterday and are looking forward to another blast on Corpus Christi Bay today where the wind, it appears just never stops blowing!
