THE current world 2-litre offshore powerboat champion, Roy Smith, spent a frustrating day in Nynashamn, Sweden, yesterday, as fog closed in leading to the cancellation of the first race as he looked forward to defending his title.
Speaking from the Baltic sea port this morning he seemed relaxed, however, as the race has been pencilled in for today, the ‘lay day’ at 5 pm.
Whether or not he will win it against another two monohulls and 22 catamarans, he said, ‘is, to some extent, out of his hands.
For conditions along the 51.2 nautical mile course can ‘change every hour’.
‘If the wind goes from east or south-east we will have a good chance,’ he said.
‘However, if it is from the north the sea will be flat calm which will suit the cats.
‘We’re in the lap of the gods’.
Smith races again at the same time tomorrow, the next lay day is Friday and the final race is on Saturday.
Both wings of his Condor Ferries Ocke Mannerfelt batboat, which were damaged in a national heat recently, were repaired in time for the long journey, begun last Thursday to Sweden, and Smith is competing in Sweden alongside English navigator Dave Simpkins.
Article posted on 4th August, 2004 - 12.00am
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