Odd-Erik Aks with Helm Christian Nygaard & Dominic Bakker win the Norwegian Open.
NOR 295 “Friendship” won the Norwegian Championships in Hanko, Norway over the weekend of 14th to 16th August. 2nd overall was NOR 286 “Spirit” helmed by Terje Wang and 3rd “Team Bagdad” helmed by Kristoffer Spone.
15 boats competed in 10 races (2 discards) in the amazing Fjords of Hanko, Norway. Winning crew member Dominic Bakker told me “The weather was excellent with beautiful scenery in Norway, to sail in the Fjords was amazing”.
On day one, the wind was between 10 to 14 kts, with a cloudless blue sky. Dominic continued ” You really had to pay attention to the pressure as the races were just 40 minutes long, most of the time out to sea paid, but occasionally the shore kicked in”. The Professional “Team Bagdad” (who sail a variety of classes including 505’s, Melges 24 & 5.5m) took the overall lead recording 2, 1, 1. Dominic continued “Although we scored 3,2 & 7 we were still very much in with a chance. That evening we were invited by the Grandson to the King’s House with 60kg of Shrimp on Hanko Island”.
On day two, the breeze was offshore at around 18kts, with longer races (1 hr) NOR 295 won 2 of the races, whilst “Team Bagdad” had a few gear failures but bounced back to win the final race of the day, race 7. NOR 286 “Spirit” Terje Wang, continued to sail well putting together some very consistent scores. With a Dinner at the Yacht Club that evening, all was set up for a great finale.
On day three, the wind again was 10 to 14 kts and another spectacular day. Dominic continued “We knew after 10 races there would be 2 discards so we still had everything to play for as we were tied on points with “Team Bagdad”. However, in the first race of the day (race 8) they fouled someone at the top mark whilst in 2nd position which probably cost them the event. NOR 286 moved up into 2nd place overall by winning race 9 and we consolidated our overall victory with a 3rd in the final race..” Very well done to the NOR 295 “Friendship” team…
Higher, Faster, Longer…………….. Stavros.