Monsoon Cup - Quarterfinals: Onboard Robertson's boat in race against Col

For the first race of the Monsoon Cup quarterfinals we went onboard WAKA Racing's yacht, helmed by Phil Robertson, in their match against Sébastien Col. The early afternoon sunshine had already gone away and the threatening clouds of the monsoon were approaching fast. As a result, racing in the quarterfinals got off under a very nice breeze.

After blazing through the round robin, the very young crew of WAKA Racing (their average age is 22) stumbled upon the older but experienced French crew. Robertson was happy with his start, getting the left side, exactly as he wanted. Phil Robertson held a slim advantage throughout the first beat and managed to round the 1st weather mark slightly ahead of Sébastien Col. Unfortunately, a bad spinnaker hoist gave Col the opportunity to pass ahead. From that point it was impossible for WAKA Racing to come back and lost the race.

WAKA Racing sailing against Sébastien Col in the quarterfinals. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Sébastien Col in the prestart. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Sébastien Col in the prestart. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

WAKA Racing sailing against Sébastien Col in the quarterfinals. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The race's turning point. A bad spinnaker hoist from WAKA Racing gives Sébastien Col the opportunity to pass. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Phil Robertson and his crew will have to try again on Saturday as Col sails to victory. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing