As the last regatta of the year European Circuit The AntwerpCityCup took place at the end of October. A total of 32 participants from 8 nations followed the call of the Royal Yacht Club Van Belgie to sail for the beautiful challenge trophy at Galgenweel.
The lake is rather small at around 900 x 500 meters, but perfectly suited for our small boat. Sufficient berths for boats and campers, and of course a short journey time to the starting line, are a good basis for a regatta at the end of October. One was very happy to be able to warm up briefly between the races on Saturday. The team around organiser Jean-Paul Alexander ensured that everything ran smoothly, and the catering, from breakfast to lunch, free beer with bitterballen and dinner, was excellent.
The weather conditions made exciting competitions possible. The wind direction allowed the greater length of the lake to be used. Due to the rather strong wind (gusts of up to 20 knots), the race committee tried to place the starting line at the very end of the lake in order to make the longest starting upwind course possible. Due to the resulting lack of empty space below the starting line, the field was correspondingly nervous, and several mass early starts were the result. A good start training for everyone! Nevertheless, the very good race management managed to carry out all 10 races announced.
A completely new design was also represented among the participating boats. Megan arrived with the new David Hollom design. The boat differs from the Norlin MK III at first sight: the angular stern, the bent frame in the aft area and the hull, which is considerably longer, are the most obvious differences. However, the rig and sail mass are the same as the Norlin. The total weight is considerably lower.
Megan now sailed the first regatta and finished in 3rd place with an respectable result. The advantages of the boat should be laut Calculations are more likely to come into play in light winds. A breath of fresh air comes into the class, it stays exciting!
On Saturday the participants were invited to the beautiful Royal Yacht Club. It was a very nice, celebratory event with good food and great talks among sailing colleagues. Ulli Libor held a considerable Review of the first year of European Circuit. The exhibition with many prizes and souvenirs of the Royal Club's old times is also really impressive.
And the youger? It was a close battle between the first two, which Christoph Trömer GER 5 won in the end, ahead of Manu Hens BEL 13. A few points behind in third place was Megan Pascoe GBR 171.
I find the fact that a total of 6 nations are represented in the first ten ranks particularly worth mentioning. That is true European sailing!
Urs Infanger, SUI 917, winner of the Report Trophy
Pictures, Pictures, Images ... The webmaster will be happy to receive any pictures from the water, breakfeasts, diners or other circumstances. Please send it to webmaster@2point4.eu . Thanks!