European Podium (left to right) Adam Winkleman, Pedro Andrade & Jorge Pinheiro 2nd. Ruairidh Scott, Wolf Waschkuhn & Charles Nankin 1st. Lars Hendriksen, Pieter Heerema & Herve Cunninham 3rd.
61 teams attended the 2022 European Championships last week hosted by the Yacht Club San Remo and what a brilliant event it was… Although 10 races were scheduled, the weather was a little difficult and despite the best efforts made by the Race Committee led by IRO Nino Shmueli assisted by YCS Fulvio Parodi only 5 were completed. However, they were 5 “quality” races fit for any major championship and the best three teams finished on the podium. Conditions varied from no wind to too much wind which meant 2 of the 5 race days had to be cancelled, but for the 5 completed races the courses (using Seadis GPS marks) were perfect, the start lines even better (just 2 boats OCS all week!) and Yacht Club San Remo excelled, both on and off the water.
Winner of Race 2 FRA 409 “Tsuica” Gerard Blanc (IDA Chairman) crewed by Richard Pernici & Yann Cheli.
The opening race was won by SUI 318 “1 Quick 1” which to many of us was no surprise as Wolf Waschkuhn and his top team of Ruairidh Scott & Charles Nankin had won the Paul & Shark Italian Cup just 2 weeks prior. Wolf slipped a little in race 2 (11th) which was won in style by our IDA Chairman, but bounced back with a 5th in race 3 followed by another victory in race 4 and then sealed championship with a 7th place in race 5. So SUI 318 were very worthy winners…… finishing on just 14pts 1,(11),5,1,7.
Wolf’s nearest rivals were Pedro Andrade POR 89, a former European Champion and NED 412 helmed by 2021 Gold Cup winner Pieter Heerema. These two teams sailed extremely consistently. Pedro recording 4,5,(15), 6 & 1. to finish on 16pts and Pieter 6,(7), 4,3 & 6 making 19pts, so all three podium teams finished on less than 20 points counting 4 races in a competitive fleet of 61 boats! Truly deserving their medals.
2nd Overall & winners of Race 5. Pedro Andrade, Jorge Pinheiro & Adam Winkleman.
This was another fantastic result for Pedro who was sailing his brand new Petticrows, the first to be constructed in Portugal since the purchase and transition of the company out of the UK. In the photo above the POR 89 team were presented their trophies by our PRO Nino Shmueli.
3rd overall, as mentioned was NED 412 helmed by Pieter Heerema crewed by Lars Hendriksen & Herve Cunningham. Pieter continues to sail at the highest level and despite missing his usual crew George Leonchuk, managed to maintain his superb consistency. Many congratulations to Pieter, Lars & Herve’.
3rd overall, NED 412 Pieter Heerema, Lars Hendriksen & Herve’ Cunningham, proudly wearing their Bronze Medals.
The winner of race 3 was GBR 819 “Fever” helmed by Klaus Diederichs…Although Klaus was somewhat disappointed with his overall finishing position of 10th, his team of Diego Negri & Jamie Lea have sailed very well during the winter in Italy and will be strong contenders at the Worlds in Kuhlungsborn in June.
Winner of Race 3 GBR 819 “Fever” Klaus Diederichs with Beppe Zaoli.
4th place overall went to GER 77 helmed by Ingo Ehrlicher, who put in another strong performance following his 3 great races at the Paul & Shark Italian Cup, where but for a discard would have finished on the podium in that regatta. Sailing with his usual middle man Malte Philip and this time Thomas Auracher, they recorded 2, (17), 12, 5 & 12.
4th Overall GER 77, Ingo Ehrlicher, Malte Philip & Thomas Auracher.
In 5th place overall and completing the top 5 teams at this European Championship was SWE 409 “Pilsner” helmed by Jesper Stalheim, crewed by Leif Moller & Jens Moller from Malmo. This experienced team had three stunning results after a 45th in the opening race. Had it not been for a 26th in race 4, their 3rd, 3rd & 2nd in the other three races show they mean business, great potential! Another top team to look out for at the Worlds in Kuhlungsborn. Well done.
5th Overall SWE 409 Jesper Stalheim, Leif Moller & Jens Moller.
The Top Corinthian Team are from Austria led by Martin Lutz, who finished a brilliant 9th overall in the general ranking, a fantastic effort, However, the Corinthian Prize could not be awarded to the team in AUT 204 at prize giving as World Sailing were slow to confirm their Corinthian status. But, we can now confirm AUT 204 “Diavel III” as the Corinthian Champions, so many congratulations to Christoph Skolaut, Martin Lutz and Georg Skolaut. Its great to see a new team in the class doing so well and Martin told us “Since we are only a few years in the class, we are more than happy to land on 1st place and will keep the Europeans forever in our memory and records”. Well said Martin & very well done!
Top Corinthian Team AUT 204 “Diavel III” (green Spinnaker), Christoph Skolaut, Martin Lutz & Georg Skolaut.
This was indeed a fantastic European Championship and Yacht Club San Remo really provided the most perfect social program and usual high quality infrastructure. The Gala Dinner at the San Remo Casino was well attended and a great success. The sailors were treated to Pasta, Local Wines and Hendricks Gin after racing each day and main Sponsors Yanmar, Paul & Shark and Hendrick’s/Glenfiddich were gratefully received and appreciated by all.
Sponsors Medals for the Podium Sailors… Always much appreciated.
I caught up with our EUROPEAN CHAMPION “Wolf” after prize giving he told me “After our victory in the Paul & Shark Trophy we went into the European Championship quietly optimistic. That meant a result in the top 10 would have been a great success being mindful of the strong fleet in both numbers and quality. Our superior VMG across varying wind and wave conditions, combined with our strong recovery ability became the defining features or our success and ultimate victory. During the races we were occasionally surprised of many other boats sailing at the top end of the fleet, as we believed our strongest competitors would include TUR 1212, JPN 56, GER 77, GBR 819 & DEN 423, which made it interesting and more enjoyable. Eventually we discarded an 11th, whereas some of our fiercest competitors suffered major setbacks, so I want to thank my team Ruairidh and Charles for their fantastic job in making this happen. I also want to thank my Wife Suki who looked after us very well, incredibly important for team spirit and physical well-being during this top level event. Finally, I want to thank POR 89 & NED 412 for a fair fight and all the sailors for their camaraderie.” Well said Wolf, you are a true Champion.
In closing I would like to thank YCS President Beppe Zaoli & YCS Commodore Umberto Zocca Di Montelupo, plus all the helpers and Volunteers throughout the club. A special mention to Lilli & Antonella in the Office, as without their hard work everything would not fit into place as they provide a top quality, friendly service. 🙂
Next up are the World Championships in Kuhlungsborn 12th to 17th June.
A big thank you to Elena Razina, for once again providing such excellent photos.
So our 2022 European Champion is SUI 318 “1 Quick 1″…. Wolf Waschkuhn.. Well Done!
Higher, Faster, Longer….. Stavros. (From the Committee Boat).