5.5m Class World Championships at Curaçao, Caribbean
by Thierry S. Huguenin 4 Feb 2013 11:43 GMT
28 January - 1 February 2013
Markus Wieser, Frithjof Kleen and Thomas Auracher win the 5.5m Class World Championships © Jarrik Bijsterbosch
German newcomers capture the title
Bavarian helmsman and newcomer in the 5.5m Class Markus Wieser has captured the 2013 World Champion Title in Curaçao last week with his crew composed of German Star sailors Frithjof Kleen and Thomas Auracher.
Twenty two boats representing seven nations got together in the Caribbean island of Curaçao for a fierce battle on deep blue seas with easterly winds between 18 and 22 knots.
Five bullets for Wieser and his men on-board "Mission Impossible" (GER 79) assured him the first place of the championship with a net total of 13 points. Second and winning three of the eight races, Norwegian Kristian Neergard with 16 points and third, from Norway as well, Peter Fjeld finishing with 22 points.
"I bought a contemporary (Modern) design boat, and we were competitive from the start. Wind velocity was no issue for us but the fleet was very competitive and we had to fight a lot." said Wieser.
"The 5s are very like of a small version of America Cup's boats. A super nice three-man keelboat, which brings a lot of fun to sail." he added.
The boats are now being loaded in containers to be shipped back to Europe for the rest of the season. Next major events: the Australian Championship in March in Sydney, the Alpen Cup in Torbole and later in September the Classic and Evolution Cups and the European Championship in Benodet, France.
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