RS classes at the French Open Skiff event at Lac du Der
by Matthieu Guihot 21 Apr 2016 16:05 BST
26-27 March 2016
2016 French Open Skiff event at Lac du Der © Cédric Fraboulet
The Easter weekend saw the 14th French Open Skiff event hosted at Lac du Der. Great enthusiasm abounded despite a very early Easter and a poor forecast.
48 boats from seven countries competed, including ten RS500s and ten RS800s; a great start to the 2016 race season. There were six RS700s racing. It was good to see Jakub and David to represent the 700s Czech team.
The largest artificial lake in Europe, Lac du Der, is perfect for this event and despite the general weather alert we was able to enjoy sailing with various conditions. As usual the infrastructures offered an 'all inclusive' event and allowed us to focus on the sport and the conviviality.
During the three days before the event, coaching was offered by Ben Schooling (Musto Skiff) and Gilles Peeters (RS800).
The regatta started Saturday with three good races under the sun with 8-10 knots. The race committee choose to use average lap times to reduce waiting time between fastest/slowest boats.
Sunday was windy with more than 20 knots. The well-practiced Musto Skiff and RS800 sailors were in the top positions of the two races. With the wind and the cold water temperature, many of the fleet did not finish, but they was welcomed ashore with hot wine or hot chocolate.
After the meal, pancakes and beers were available and a big singing contest occurred between countries.
On Monday the weather forecast was confirmed; too much wind for racing. This was a good occasion to try the surprising RS Aero with its 5m sail (thanks RS France).
The Musto Skiffs took the first three places on the podium, with Andy and Allyson Jeffries (RS800) fourth. Congratulations to Anneke Kikhert & Floris Stapel who came in first of the RS500s, at 6th overall.
Next year, as proposed by Ben Schooling - the winner - everybody should come with another friend in their boat!
See also: