“1 Quick 1” SUI 318 Wins Grade 1 in Bodrum…

SUI 318 “1 Quick 1”  Wins in Bodrum.  Wolf Waschkuhn, Charles Nankin & Joao Vidinha.

Following on from my half-way report of the opening IDA Grade 1 of the 2023 season, only one more race was completed in Bodrum due to too much wind (25+ kts) on the penultimate day. However, on the final day the breeze reduced to 15 kts so the Race Committee displayed “Delta” flag and released the fleet at 11am. One race was completed before the wind increased again, so the event was completed with 5 races over the 4 days.

The Spectacular Bodrum Castle, where the World’s main reception will be held in May.

Going into the last day there were still 3 teams that could lift the Trophy…..  TUR 1212, GBR 819 & SUI 318.  Alas TUR 1212 had some technical issues that saw their chances disappear, leaving SUI 318 Wolf Waschkuhn and GBR 819 Klaus Diederichs to battle it out for the overall prize.  With the wind now blowing around 20 kts from 335 degrees, there was a great fight with SUI 318 just prevailing…

Final Grade 1 Podium in Bodrum…  left to right 2nd GBR 819 Diego Negri, Jamie Lea & Helm Klaus Diederichs. 1st SUI 318 Joao Vidinha, helm Wolf Waschkuhn & Charles Nankin. 3rd TUR 1212 Arda Baykal, Helm Andy Beadsworth & Simon Fry.

Top Corinthian was TUR 50 “Borga” helmed by Azat Baykal, crewed by Sercan Buyuksoylemez & Emir Isikigil. Azat and his team finished in 5th place overall, counting some very consistent results.

Top Corinthian in Bodrum Grade 1 was TUR 50 “Borga” helmed by Azat BAYKAL.

Winning helm Wolf Waschkuhn told me after his victory “We arrived in Bodrum with a sense of both apprehension and joy as we were looking forward to the first Grand Prix of 2023. After a trouble free transit for ‘1 Quick 1’ from Trieste we were delighted to arrive in Bodrum and receive such friendship and hospitality under the leadership of Arkun. There is no doubt Bodrum is a stunning venue to sail and many thanks to the Race Committee and our competitors for an exciting regatta in such fantastic surroundings”.

Well said Wolf and many congratulations once again to you, Charles and Joao for another great victory.

Bodrum at Night….  Can there be a more spectacular venue ?

The Turkish Organisers want all Dragon Sailors to know that there is still time to transport your boats over to Bodrum and join the World Championship. The Ferry from Trieste is very reliable and all the Carnet paperwork will be taken care of by the Bodrum Organisers…

Any team making a last minute plan to join in the fun will be extremely welcomed by all and make the whole World Championship a most memorable event…

Higher, faster, Longer….   Stavros.