SWE 409 “Pilsner” Wins Travemunde’ Grade 1.
Our 2nd IDA European Grade 1 was held during the Travemunde’ Woche Week from July 20th-23rd, sponsored by Yanmar. With 36 teams in attendance it was great to mix in with other top classes during this festive, yet professionally organised regatta. Leaving the Marina & picturesque Harbour each day alongside Family fun boats, Commercial Baltic Ferries, whilst surrounded by Party Tents, the Dragons contributed to an amazing Holiday atmosphere. It was great to share such festivities and enjoy the German Hospitality and passing over 80 Optimists and 30 Finn’s as the Dragons sailed out, may encourage younger sailors to join our beautiful class. :-)
On the Race Course, which was situated 3 to 4 miles from the harbour, the teams enjoyed fantastic conditions uninterrupted waters, experiencing a variety of wind and wave conditions. With 7 races completed over the 4 days it was a true test of seamanship and demanded the best performances from our top teams. The early running was made by SUI 355 “Yeah Nah” helmed by Jan Eckert who followed up his race win on the first day with a 3rd and 8th on day 2.
Superb conditions in Traveminde’ saw 7 races in 4 days.
Another team having a great beginning to their championship was GER 11 “Aurora” helmed by Christoph Toepfer, who in his first Dragon season has already won a winter series in Cannes and is showing good speed in his PCT (Dubai) Dragon crewed by Michael Koch & Markus Koy. Unfortunately, a mistake during one of the later races at the finishing line, where GER 11 had to take a percentage penalty, would cost Christoph dearly and this top team had to settle for 4th overall… but a valuable lesson learned.
Dragon Sailors enjoyed an Amazing evening on the “Passat”, a beautiful 4 Masted Barque.
Meanwhile pushing SUI 355 hard were two other Swedish teams, SWE 409 Jesper Stalheim & SWE 800 Jan Secher. Going into the final race it was still undecided who would lift the trophy and take overall glory. Although we had 6 wonderful races after 3 days, the final day provided more of a challenge for both the competitors and the Race Committee. Despite the initial start and two completed legs, it was decided to abandon Race 7 on the second upwind. The wind had dropped below 3kts and the PRO decided it was not a “fair” race. However, Race 7 was restarted after a more stable breeze arrived and it was SWE 409 “Pilsner” helmed by Olympian Jesper Stalheim, crewed by fellow Olympian Leif Moller & his Son Jens Moller who took the Championship by just a single point!
Despite their advantage before the start SUI 355 “Yeah Nah” helmed by Jan Eckert, crewed by Tovar Mirsky & Frederioco Mello had to settle for 2nd and SWE 800 “Miss Behaviour” Jan Secher, Richard Sydenham & Gerry Mitchell finishing with a great final race took 3rd overall.
Fantastic final race by SWE 800 secured Jan, Richard & Gerry 3rd overall.
Top Corinthian was another Swedish Boat, SWE 416 “Nono II” helmed by Martin Palsson, crewed by Goran Alm & Berra Johansson. Not only did they win race 3 but Martin and his team also finished 7th overall, so another fantastic result for this Corinthian Team. Many Congratulations….!
Overall Podium Dominated by Swedish & Swiss Sailors !!!
In my final photo from left to right: Torvar Mirsky (SUI 355) Berra Johansson, Martin Palsson & Goran Alm (SWE 416), Richard Sydenham, Gerry Mitchell & Jan Secher (SWE 800) Leif & Jens Moller (SWE 409) WINNERS!!
Finally, I’d like to thank Jan Woortman & Casper Dohse for arranging this successful regatta. It takes many hours/days/weeks of hard work to co-ordinate such an event to take place within a well established regatta. The organisers of Travemunde’ Woche Week did an excellent job keeping the fleets apart and the Dragons really enjoyed the “freedom” of an excellent race course under the supervision of PRO Ines Rossley.
Higher, Faster, Longer…… Stavros. (On Committee Boat).
