Nord Stream Race Match Race

Match Race abandoned, new attempt tomorrow

Sometimes everything seems to come together and then there is still one thing that upsets the plan. Due to a lack of wind the Nord Stream Match Race in Flensburg that was planned for today had to be abandoned. After several start postponements the race committee tried to at least start a fleet race but after exceeding the time limit of 45 minutes this had to be abandoned, too. Now the organisers have scheduled two fleet races for the Gazprom Swan 60-yachts for tomorrow, 13th of September at 3.30pm. Hence it is definitely worthwhile to come back to Marina Sonwik tomorrow, too, or to at least follow the Online Live Stream on www.nord-stream-race.com.

Everything was ready and prepared: The race village and the stands were set up and the spectators were awaiting eagerly the Nord Stream Nations Cup-Match Race. Only the wind was missing and so the race committee had to postpone the start for one hour.

To fill the gap for the waiting public ashore, Klaus Lahme and Alexander Prinz zu Schleswig-Holstein, both from Norddeutscher Regatta Verein, commented on the events together with sport journalist Jürgen Muhl. Using the Online Stream that was being broadcasted live on a big screen they explained the special features and characteristics of match racing to the 500 spectators and also got insights from sailing experts like the German Starboat-sailor Robert Stanjek or the former America's Cup-sailor Nico Jeschonnek.

Following another postponement race officer Claus-Otto Hansen from Flensburger Segel-Club decided to cancel the Match Race-series and instead start a fleet race with all four Swan 60-yachts. At the start at 4pm about 5 knots were measured across the Förde. "It was indeed possible to sail in those conditions but then the wind stopped again and the race had to be abandoned", said Leif Tom Loose, Trimmer from Team Germany. "I agree with the decision from the race committee."

Hansen: "The Swan 60 are great boats and we would have loved to see them sailing for a little bit longer. However, the conditions have to be fair for everyone. Unfortunately that was not the case today." Therefore he is even more happy that all skippers have agreed to start again tomorrow. From 3.30pm the five Gazprom Swan 60-yachts will sail two fleet races. Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed of course for more wind and exciting races.

Arne Hirsch, Event Manager from the organising Norddeutscher Regatta Verein, is very satisfied with the day despite the adverse wind conditions: "Of course we would have hoped to be able to offer the spectators more sailing on the Förde but unfortunately the wind is one of the few factors we have no influence on. Nevertheless we are very happy that so many people have found the way to the Marina Sonwik and we are hoping that they will come back tomorrow. The late start will allow for the people to come along after work, which is great."

More information on www.nord-stream-race.com