The “Bavarian Dream Team” of Vincent Hoesch and Michi Lip guided Marcus Brennecke to a very comfortable overall victory yesterday in Cascais to round off the 2011 season here in Portugal. In winning two of the last three races GER 10 “Billy Baby” finished the 7 race series with a score of just 15 points, their nearest rival (and current European Champion) Jens Christensen, crewed by Tim Tavinor & Kim Anderson finished 9pts behind in 2nd place and then GBR 720 Julia Bailey, Graham Bailey, Richard Powell & Malfalda Ribeiro da Cunha a further 12pts back in a well deserved 3rd place overall……
It was a particularly tricky day of sailing as the wind sometimes was up around 10-12kts but then could die away to just 6kts which made helming difficult as the waves rolled in from the vast Atlantic Ocean. Also both sides of the race course was “paying” at different times, so it was not just a case of chosing one side or the other, teams had to secure a good start but then make the most of the changing pressure and favourable wind shifts…
Stefan Winberg SWE 356, crewed by Thomas (at least the boat’s still in one piece and we are all still talking to each other) Wilton and tactician Fredrik Brotell won the middle of the 3 races yesterday after making substantial gains from the LEFT hand side of the course, which is quite unusual for Cascais, especially when the wind blows from the North-West. Stefan has been sailing in Cascais for many years now and is one of many sailors who love to “Winter” their boats in this wonderful sailing arena which offers fantastic racing all the year round. With other competitors from Monaco, Germany, Hungary, Great Britain, Russia and Denmark the Portugese hosts are very happy with the Cascais programme…
In closing I would like to thank the President of the Portugese Dragon Class Mario Quina, plus all helpers and volunteers of the Clube Naval de Cascais for supporting this great Winter Series (which will continue after the New Year), and making all of the visiting sailors so welcome in this truly exceptional part of Europe…… With more boats making the long journey down to Portugal in February as the series build’s towards the Grade 1 Juan Carlos Trophy in April, will you be joining in the fun ? Come on Camper’s, life is too short!
Higher, Faster, Longer………… Stavros (GBR 767).