GBR 819 “Fever” Wins 18th Hans-Detmar Wagner Cup.

World Champions Klaus Diederichs, Diego Negri & Jamie Lea take another victory.

The 18th edition of the Hans-Delmar-Wagner Cup took place on the popular Lake Garda from October 6th to 8th, this time it was based in Riva del Garda whilst essential work is carried out at the Torbole’ Yacht Club. The Fragila Vela Riva in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation and Garda Trentino Sailing Consortium made the 24 visiting teams very welcome and a great time was had by all.

Superb conditions with stunning scenery made for some exciting racing.

Teams had to be a little more patient than normal on day one as the reliable afternoon breeze (Ora) came in later than normal, but 2 races were completed in 10 to 12kts of breeze. Race 1 was won by World Champion Klaus Diederichs who made a nice start and tacked soon off the start line to sail all the way to the right hand shoreline. This tactic benefited the Fever team as they were then rewarded with a wind bend off the cliff to tack and sail high out from the shore on lay-line for the top mark.  Race 2 was slightly different tactically as the right hand side of the first up wind did not pay. Instead it was boats who had either been pushed left off the line or had held onto the opening starboard tack to clear their air who gained substantially as the fleet split. It was our current European Champion SUI 318 Wolf Waschkuhn crewed by Joao Vidinha & Charles Nankin who took full advantage and rounded the top mark well clear of the fleet to go on and win easily.

SUI 318 “1 Quick 1” wins race 2 & eventually finishes 3rd overall.

On day 2 the Ora arrived late again so racing was postponed, but we did manage 2 more races later in the day. Race 3 was won by GER 1251 Philip Dohse, crewed by his Wife Nicola, daughter Christiane & Simon Bruhns and Race 4 by GER 998 Rudi Houdek, Michael Lipp & Kare Rena.  GER 998 is a lovely Woden dragon built by Marcus Glass and Rudi, Michi and Kare sailed very consistently to finish 5th overall.

Winners of Race 3 GER 1251 & Race 4 GER 998 (5th overall).

Going into the final day it was decided to bring crews to the marina early (7.30am) to hopefully make 3 races in the Northerly morning “Pelar” wind. This was an excellent decision by the race committee and 3 good races were completed before lunchtime in 12 to 18kts of wind.

Racing in the morning “Pelar” wind saw the current World Champions score 1st, 4th & 1st to take overall victory.

With three races sailed on the final day things did not go according to plan for European Champion SUI 318 Wolf Waschkuhn who slipped from overnight leader to 3rd place. Still a podium position but not what “1 Quick 1” had in mind as they lost by just 2pts.

Also having a good final day was Cannes winner POR 90 “Pow Wow” helmed by Michael Zankel, crewed by Joao Rosa & Diogo Pereira. Scoring 4,2,2 was not quite good enough to take the title as it put this top team on equal points with “Fever” but losing on count back. Nevertheless, another excellent result for Michael and his team.

Final Podium : POR 90 (left 2nd) GBR 819 (centre 1st) SUI 318 (right 3rd).

In his winning speech Klaus Diederichs thanks the organisers of Fragila Vela Riva for their excellent hospitality and race management. He also thanked his top crew Diego Negri (world Star Champion) and Jamie Lea (North Sails). Klaus later told me “Lake Garda was as great as ever although the normally reliable Ora was a bit tricky on Friday. Going into the last day we didn’t think we could win the regatta having to carry a 12th place. But on Saturday the Pelar gave perfect conditions and we had three good results which clinched the win. We felt a bit sorry for Ferenc (HUG 57) and his mistake at the last mark in Race 5 as without it he would have won”.

Well said Klaus and many congratulations to team “Fever”. Yes HUN 57 did sail a great regatta to finish 4th overall in the end. Ferenc and his team managed to put their bow into the last GPS mark and lost several places trying to recover from their mistake. However, a very good showing from this top Hungarian team.

Finally, many thanks to all the volunteers and committees for making this a special event. Riva del Garda is a beautiful town to visit with stunning views, superb shopping centre, excellent restaurants and the ideal access to the unique and wonderful Lake Garda. Certainly worth a visit……    🙂

Higher, Faster, Longer….. Stavros. (GBR 818).

All these super photos supplied by Elena Giolai huge thanks 🙏 Elena.