Magic Marine Optimist Easter Regatta at Lake Braassemermeer - Overall
by Carrie Howe 6 Apr 2015 21:27 BST
3-6 April 2015
Seven countries in top 10, Finland on top
Following a great series, the final day brought overcast conditions with an unstable breeze. Bronze, Silver, and Gold all finished one race today to end a solid finals series of four races for Gold fleet and ten total races. Monday fell short of a gorgeous sailing day but did not fall short of tricky competition for the final races.
Small puffs and large shifts made for a difficult situation for the leaders to secure their positions. Going into the final day within 10 points was Lucas Karlemo from Finland, Laila can der Meer from the Netherlands, and Oscar Engstrom from Sweden. Seven different countries represented the top ten.
With tensions high among the leaders in the end it was Finland who took home 1st and 2nd place with Lucas Karlemo on top. Lucas finished 11th position in the final race which was enough to take home Gold. Joakim Svinhufvud from Finland finished 2nd winning the last race and finishing 3 points behind his teammate. In third was Oscar Engstrom from Sweden and Dutch sailor Laila van der Meer finished fourth after a black flag just after two first place finishes in race 8 and 9.
"This is my 4th year at the Easter Regatta and I look forward to it each year," commented Hattie Rogers (GBR). "The fact that it is shifty makes it very challenging but great practice. The competitors are all great and I have made good friends. Coming as a team with a qualified group from England makes it really feel like a team." Hattie finished 7th and as top sailor from Britain.
"Lake Braassemermeer is a great learning environment where the Finnish sailors have been doing very well. The conditions are incredibly tricky which requires that the sailors have good boat speed combined with tactical knowledge and patience," commented Sam McKenzie, coach of the Finnish team.
240 Optimist sailors from 16 countries raced in various conditions, which delivered a great event. The weekend also included activities, Easter festivities and a great atmosphere. Although there was some waiting throughout the day the race committee managed 1 race before it turned into a complete glass off on the lake when the sun decided to shine.
"The strongest asset had by all is Lake Braassemermeer where you have the ability to view as spectators, a comfortable clubhouse with an excellent restaurant and a organizing committee between the Optimist Club Netherlands and the WV Braassemermeer. The lake is a relatively protected environment which is safe and great for racing," commented Carrie Howe, brand manager of Magic Marine.
The Magic Marine Easter Regatta celebrated its 30th anniversary and looks forward to next year.
www.easter-regatta.nl