Laser 5000 Europeans at Mohnesee, Germany - Overall
by Thomas Hill 12 Aug 2010 15:00 BST
2-6 August 2010
The second half of the Laser 5000 European Championships saw a few new faces contesting at the front end of the fleet.
Four races were sailed on Thursday. After a general recall, the first race got underway in an increasing breeze. The course was the same as before, therefore many boats developed their own ideas about how to get to the front of the fleet. The fleet split on each side of the course with Taff and Simon leading the boats to the left and Paddy and Alistair leading the fleet to the right, with Army boats taking the gun for the first race. Thomas and Alistair hit the line too early in the second race, but still clawed their way to the front of the fleet. The last 6 boats were a tight nit group and the lead changed throughout the race, making for great racing throughout the fleet.
After a short lunch break, races 3 and 4 got underway. Three of the top boats, Taff and Simon, Paddy and Alistair, and Christoph and Caroline were brought back for crossing the line leaving the top places up for grabs. However the winds were starting to die as the evening was setting in and a 90 degree shift meant the upwind beat was a reach and many boats struggled to keep the kite up on the downwind leg.
After a short protest over the individual recalls, everyone enjoyed a well cooked BBQ and great music from the live band well into the night.
The final day saw only one race. The usual top 5 boats were leading, however a windward boat situation on the start line meant Taff and Simon dropped off the pack whilst Paddy and Alistair drew out their lead and were uncatchable. The rest of the fleet were challenged by the fickle winds that left some boats motionless in the water searching for the next puff. The winds dropped off too much for a credible race and the final race was cancelled. The whole day was filmed by a British Forces Broadcasting Service.
The series came to a close at 11 races and the European Championship went to Paddy and Alistair from Loch Lomond, with Thomas and Alistair runners up and Alan and Gavin taking third.
11 boats came together for the first European Championships for as many years. It was great to see as many boats enjoying competitive but friendly racing. Thanks to everyone who came and the great support from British Mohnesee Training Centre and finally the Race officer Clive Grant for a firm but fair hand and his guidance and advice was invaluable.
The video from the BFBS can be found here.