Thursday 29 September 2011
Zapcat - Fistral finals could not be closer
Conditions look good for a fight to the finish
With the final two rounds of the 2011 Zapcat Championships rapidly approaching, the outcome of all the trophies will be down to more than likely the deciding finals on Saturday afternoon on Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall.
With two new weight class (ZCR50 & ZCR50X) winners to be crowned along with the Team, Rookie, Surf, Celtic and Mixed Championships as well as the Newquay Grand Prix title as well it is certainly going to throw up some decisions for teams on how they approach each qualifying heat race and finals on Friday and Saturday.
That is if the conditions don't already decide it for them. Will it be safe and smooth running or simply to throw caution to the wind in the surf?
With an unseasonable high and sunshine expected we are not expecting the huge surf of traditional end of season finals but we are sure to see plenty of action to keep the on water safety team busy!
Along with a free music gig and Annual Awards Dinner it is going to be a great weekend off the water too.
Below a summary of the leading teams in each class and trophy category..
ZCR50 (Lightweight Crews - combined less than 26.5 Stone)
1Â Â Â 1Â Â Â Â Â Bluesheets IÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 670Â Â Â
2   3     Team Suffolk        630  Â
3   25   Angry Hornet        570  Â
4   38   Speedy Hire         545
With Craig Davis and Daren Ford sidelined through injury in boats 1 and 38 it will be down to former Rookie and National Champions Jack Weller and Martyn Wilcox to contend for the title here.
ZCR50X (Heavyweight Crews - plus 26.5 Stone)
1   77   Exe Jets               680  Â
2   13   Live Wire              575  Â
3   26   Team Essence   555
Rob Wickham has to really get it wrong for the others to catch him but it is mathematically possible, and he has had problems in the surf in the past. Team 26 has already secured the Rookie title but will be keen to oust his team mate in 13.
Mixed Championship
1   38   Speedy Hire       560
2   40   Scaredy Cat        335
Russell & Sandra Sidney in 40 have won the Mixed Championship so many times they will be only too glad not to receive it again but will be determined next year to make sure Speedy Hire dont get too used to it.
Celtic Cup
1   77    Exe Jets                         575  Â
2Â Â Â 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Bluesheets Racing IÂ Â Â 545Â Â Â
3   74   Trademymotor              525  Â
4   98   Team Suffolk                 500
The Celtic Cup included Rounds from Scotland and Wales as well as both Cornwall events and there is everything to play for here, one mistake in a final could hand the trophy to a chasing rival.
Team Championship
1Â Â Â Relentless (77 & 74)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1280
2Â Â Â Live Essence (13 & 26)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1260
3Â Â Â Speedy Hornet (25 & 38)Â Â Â Â 1245
With two boats per team and all scores to count this is about consistent or stunning and good results and with a maximum of 400 points still up for grabs this will not be over until the last race of the season and there is a side battle here of heavy weight guys versus the lighter teams.
National Surf Championships
1=Â Â Â 1Â Â Â Bluesheets Racing IÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â 190Â Â Â
1=   74   Trademymotor               190  Â
3=   77   Exe Jets                          175  Â
3=   25   Angry Hornet                  175  Â
5     13   Live Wire                         165  Â
6=   38   Speedy Hire                   160  Â
6=   26   Team Essence             160
This is the big one it is all about bragging rights! The King of the Surf contest is now officially recognised as a National Championship in it's own right, this year with all four rounds from Fistral and it could not be closer with 7 teams vying for the win! Four from the ZCR50X class and three from the ZCR50 class and the likely winner of this one should also walk away with the Fistral Grand Prix trophy ..... at least until next April or May!
City Championship
This was hosted only once this year in Edinburgh and was won by 77 Exe Jets
(Points totals after one round discard - where appropriate)
For full results check out www.zapcat-racing.com