Day 2
A tricky day on the water at the Club Vela La Ballena Alegre with a longtime filling sea breeze. Two races got off after a brief postponement, with lighter winds and heavy chop. The conditions were challenging and there were hugh gain and losses throughout the races. A marine fog with increasing shifts sent racers to shore for a short break, and when a promising Easterly returned the Race Committee churned out 2 more races in 9-12 knots.
The racing was tight and the lead shifted many times throughout all the races, everyone moving faster through the water, and hoping the shifts went their way.
Zipping around by Zodiac was ISAF Vice President Teresa Lara who loved watching the kites pop around the windward mark. She kept telling the sailors, "I can't wait to see the Downhill Skiff Cross! What have to do it!" The finale for the SEIKO 29erxx Europeans will incorporate the new racing format - a trial for the upcoming Sail Amsterdam Downhill Skiff Cross that takes place 19-21 August.
Day 1 Results
While it was 40 degrees in Barcelona, a gorgeous 8-15 knots of warm sea breeze made for perfect racing on the Costa Brava here in Ballena Alegre. The fleet completed 4 35-minute races, and despite a lot of first-time trappers, the over-all boat-handling was top notch.
The 29er European Champions Annemiek Bekkering and Kaj Bocker made an elegant performance winning all four races. The lead often shifted between the front pack, but they always managed to clench the win at the finish. Some of the more experienced 29erXX sailors proved that time in the boat pays off, but the rest of the fleet was not far behind and will only be getting closer as the event continues.
Following the racing the sailors held a group debrief on boat-handling, tuning tips and their favorite moment of the day. Femke Adamse, "It's just AMAZING!" 29er skipper Chanel Miller has decided, "This is so much better than hiking!" For most of the 29er sailors, the ride was a lot more reactive: "It's less forgiving, I never capsized during a tack on a 29er, but today I capsized twice!" reports Taco Dommerholt.
Mark roundings are normally pretty tough with a fast flying fleet, and they were no easier today with the official 29erXX photographer Yann Audic of Sydney snapping shots while clipped to the windward mark. More racing to follow, and the inaugural Downhill Skiff Cross...stay tuned!
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The 29er Class Association and Club Vela La Ballena Alegre cordially invite you to attend the 2010 29erXX European Championship Regatta, 6th July - 9th July 2010 at Club Vela La Ballena Costa Brava, Spain. Included on this website, you will find:
- Official Notice of Race
- Online registration form
- A listing of current entries
- Information about lodging at Club Vela La Ballena Alegre
- Information on weather
Since many details regarding this event are still being finalized, please check back often for updates, and new information.
NED 1 Annemiek Bekkering and Kaj Bocker 1 1 1 1 4 points AUS 11 Jen Morgan Glass and Lizzi Rountree 4 3 4 4 15 points NED 2 Ted Bakker and Miguel Karsters 7 9 3 2 21 points RSA 777 Jason Hogendoorn and Taco Dommerholt 10 2 2 9 23 points FRA 29 Nicolas and Julian Chateau 3 11 10 3 27 points ESP 11 Laura Capdevila and Femke Adamse 2 8 11 7 28 points NOR 1 Helene Naess and Ane Gundersen 5 13 5 6 29 points NED 72 Carolien and Annette Duetz 11 5 8 5 29 points ESP 1743 Adriana and Cristina Rodes 6 6 7 10 29 points FRA 2 Simone and Daniela Stanchi 9 7 6 8 30 points ESP 22 Pol and Marc Chapon 8 4 9 11 32 points USA 9 Chanel Miller and CC Childers 13 10 13 13 49 points
Downhill Skiff X
Get your skills on in the Downhill Skiff Cross that will be held July 6, just after the 29er Europeans and just before the 29erXX Europeans. This is a fun event designed to let everyone have a chance to sail and 29erXX and see who can get around the track the fastest! For more information click DOWNHiLLSKiFFXX.pdf
