GER 1221 Jan Woortman, Diego Negri & Markus Koy dominate the Swedish Grand Prix.
A fantastic time was had by all in beautiful Skanor, (Southern Sweden). From the moment the 38 teams from 11 different Nations arrived, nothing was too much trouble for this small Yacht Club of just 350 members. The whole Village helped out showing that it is absolutely possible for our class to have top events at small local clubs (not only the big commercial ones). The organisers wanted to show that with an entrance fee of just “500e’ (to help Corinthians participate) and with so many volunteers and local helpers it was possible. Plus of course a huge “thank you” to Yanmar, the principle sponsors.
Our Organising Chairman & the many young Club members helped with the success.
Bjorn Boklund (Organising Chairman) was quick to point that the Skanor Harbour Committee supported this regatta from the very beginning even though they knew that moving local boats from the dock and restricting visiting yachts during high season would inevitably result in loss of income. Nevertheless, the Skanor Harbour Committee did everything they could to make us feel welcome and deserve a 10 out of 10 for their generosity and effort. Thank you so much on behalf of a very happy 38 Dragon Teams and supporters……. It is so important to have all boats moored “together” to achieve the ambiance, comaraderie’ and passion that our wonderful class is so well know for throughout the world :-)
SWE 330 “Young Dragons” Albin & Ellen Boman, Dennis Fonseca & AnnTherese Johansson.
The Corinthian Winners were SWE 330… (Photo & names above) 2nd overall was SWE 416 Martin Palsson, Viktor Langstrom & Thomas Wallenfeldt. 3rd was GER 1256 Tanja & Bernard Jacobsohn and Jan Scharffetter. It was great to see the Corinthian teams right up amongst the leading teams, indeed Tanja won Day 3 overall showing once again how competitive all these top sailors are. It was also nice to see young smiling faces on the winning boat.. albeit for a BFD in race 4, Albin & the “Young Dragons” would have been even higher up the list. Well done to all.
Swedish Champions were SWE 800 Jan Secher, Richard Sydenham & Gerrard Mitchell.
The top 3 Swedish Teams were SWE 800 (as above) 2nd SWE 369 Anton Dahlberg (Silver medalist 470 from Paris 2024) crewed by Patrick & Steffan Selen. 3rd SWE 330 “Young Dragons” (as above).
So to the overall winners and what a week Jan Woortmann had helming his GER 1221 with Diego Negri giving him instructions and Markus Koy trimming every step of the way. Recording 3 race wins and winning by a clear 13 points, this experienced team did not even have to sail the final race! A truly brilliant performance and one which Jan told me ” Stavros, this is the first big regatta I have ever won and I’m absolutely thrilled to be sailing in Sweden, please let me give you my credit card so I can buy the whole fleet a drink” :-) Thats exactly what Jan did and a great time was had by all.
Top of the Podium GER 1221 Jan Woortmann & Markus Koy enjoy the Celebrations !
2nd overall SWE 800 Jan, Richard & Gerry. 3rd SUI 355 Jan Eckart, Torvar Mirsky & Frederico Melo.
I must say this was one of the very best Grade 1’s I’ve had the privilege of being involved in. All the helpers and volunteers, including so many young club members and sailors made the whole experience a truly memorable week. Our PRO Robert Ohlson was excellent, he kept everything simple and the well set courses near to the Marina. assisted by Martin (Bottom Gate) & Jacob (Top Mark) everything ran smoothly. My thanks to the Ladies & Gentlemen on the fantastic “Grand Banks” Committee Boat owned by Peter and to Max Klintman for all these wonderful photos (More can be seen & purchased online).
Young Skanor helpers, with a True Viking, our PRO Robert Ohlson & a happy Stavros.
Many congratulations to all the Podium teams and huge thanks to our sponsors Yanmar and others.
Skanors Batklubb really delivered a most excellent Grand Prix. Finally thanks to Jennie, Sofia, Malin, Helene, Jon, Erik, Torkel, Anders, Walter, Robert, Martin Jacob, Jan, Peter, Stefan (My Driver) and “All” the other many helpers! This was a truly memorable regatta. “What we do in Life, Echo’s in Eternity”
Higher, `Faster, Longer……. Stavros.
