UAE 8 “Bunker Boys” helmed by our World Champion Yvgeni Braslavets, crosses the fleet.
Day 2 of the German Grand Prix in Kuhlungsborn provided wonderful sailing conditions yesterday as 41 teams enjoyed 3 top quality races in perfect conditions. A south-easterly wind that ranged between 6 to 10 kts and a flat sea, allowed for important tactical decisions & close boat to boat manoeuvres.
Three Races with Three “Clear” Starts, organised by our excellent IRO Christian Hacki.
After a disappointing first day of no racing through lack of wind, it was so nice to complete three full races with the “traditional” course of three up wind and two down wind legs. Race 1 started at 12.00 and the fleet split left and right, GER 1157 “M 3” helmed by Michael Schmidt went nearly all the way to the left, whilst GER 33 “Sinewave” helmed by Tommy Muller chose the right side of the 1.6 mile beat. At the top mark GER 1157 was just able to squeeze in front of GER 33 proving that there was no “favoured” side of the course and this was the story all day on this excellent race track.
Winners of Race 1 GER 1157, Michael Schmidt, Maltie Phillip and Mario Wagner.
In race 2 the wind became a little more shifty which meant which ever team responded first after a good start made a good “jump” on their competitors. This time it was former European Champions POR 66 “Drago” helmed by Jose Matoso who seized the initiative and held a comfortable lead at the top mark. Although Jose’ was challenged strongly by DEN 411 Jorgen Schonherr, POR 66 held on to the end to win the race.
Winners of Race 2 POR 66 “Drago” Jose’ Matoso, Gustavo Lima and Frederico Melo.
With the conditions staying almost perfect it was decided to hold a 3rd race which all 41 teams really enjoyed after the frustration of the previous day. This time it was RUS 27 “Annapurna” helmed by Anatoloy Loginov who caught every shift just right and held a slender lead at the top of the course. This lead was extended as the race continued and Anatoloy explained to me afterwards ” We had the opportunity to tack on every shift first, this meant we could make even more gains and pull away from the fleet”.
Winners of Race 3 RUS 27 “Annapurna” Anatoly Loginov, Vadim Statsenko & Alexander Shaligin.
The top Corinthian Teams were DEN 411 “African Queen” Jorgen Schonherr in races 1 & 2. Then GER 1103 “Rosie” helmed by Benny Morgan had a fantastic showing in the final race to finish in 2nd place. Benny and his Father Dr Karl Morgan usually winter their boat down in Cascais, Portugal and this extra sailing and experience really helps when defending a great position against the very best sailors in the world 🙂
Today we hope for another 3 races which will get this final Grade 1 event of 2106 back on track as we hope to provide a total of 8 races with 1 discard.
Higher, Faster, Longer…………. Stavros. (On Committee Boat).