After a light but successful opening day at the TF35 Realstone Cup for Léman hope the forecast was for more of the same on day two, with the NE'ly thermal wind forecast to kick in during the afternoon.
But unfortunately, today, the gradient wind at a higher altitude was working against the thermal and the sailing breeze refused to blow. Despite delaying ashore until 13:00 and then the race committee and fleet holding on to the water to be ready to go should the breeze develop, finally, at 17:00, with the lake still glassy, it became too late to get any racing in.
"It has a big impact because the leaderboard is so close that every point counts," explained class manager Bertrand Favre. "The teams were so motivated to race today that they decided to go out on the water rather than wait for the race committee's call. The pressure will be on now for tomorrow; let's hope the wind shows up."
As it stands in the fight for the overall 2024 tour title, Sails of Change 8 are ahead but tied on points with defending champions Realteam Sailing, as tactician Noé Delpech explained: "We're evenly matched and we can know that we can win. So we're going to give it everything we've got until Sunday evening and then we'll see".
The upside of today's calm waters, however, was the perfect opportunity for the young people Léman hoped to jump aboard the TF35s for the high-speed foiling tow back into Société Nautique de Genève. Founded in 2011 by Esteban Garcia, Léman hope uses sailing to support, inspire and empower young people in recovery from cancer, allowing them to embrace their future with optimism.
"The big smiles on the faces of the youngsters back on land say it all," said Léman hope's Priscille Varillon. "They were able to steer whilst the boat wasy flying on the tow back in, it was incredible, they loved it".
"The confidence you get from sailing is a real opportunity that we can give the young people to regain their self-confidence. We always tell them to believe in themselves, that everyone is important, just like in a professional sailing team. They see that everyone is important in flying the boat."
Tomorrow, Sunday, racing will conclude for the TF35 2024 Tour and with so many teams tied on points is sure to be full of last race, last day dramas. Skippers briefing 10:00, first warning 11:30.
