The new Grand Prix Zero Class for high performance IRC boats, enjoyed exhilarating racing at their debut regatta, the Royal Ocean Racing Club Vice Admiral’s Cup. Eight races were held over three days of competition.
Niklas Zennström’s Carkeek 40+ Ràn scored eight bullets but the devil is in the detail. Five of the races were won by less than a minute after IRC time correction.
Ian Atkins’ GP42 Dark N Stormy was runner up and there was a tie for third between RORC Commodore James Neville HH42 INO XXX and Harmen Jan de Graaf’s Ker 43 Baraka GP. INO XXX made the GP Zero podium by countback. Bertie Bicket’s modified IC37 Fargo scored three podium race finishes, proving that every boat in the Grand Prix Zero Class enjoyed close racing. The fleet were tested in every wind strength from five to 25 knots. RORC Race Officer Stuart Childerley and his team provided outstanding windward leeward race tracks, and round the cans racing, testing every point of sail.
