Musto Performance Skiff EuroCup at Lake Urnersee, Switzerland
by Nicolas Duchoud 3 Jun 2014 17:24 BST
30 May - 1 June 2014
Musto Performance Skiff EuroCup at Lake Urnersee © Melissa
Friday, race 1 (14-8kn):
Because of bad weather in Brunnen racing nearly cancelled for the day. Lucky we got some wind because of a rain cloud. The race management did a nice job getting us out and setting the race course very quickly. As always, the windshifts were very hard to predict and it was master Roger who did the best job getting around the course.
Saturday, race 2 and 3 (around 15kn):
The race management gambled hard and got us out very early for a thermal wind. But they did well and the first two races for the day were sailed in the best thermal wind around midday. It was close racing and both races were decided on the second windward leg near the top mark. The goal was to get in phase with the windshifts and landmarks. The small (ten boat) Musto Skiff fleet was very competitive and there were battles from first to last place. Roger took the first race of the day and me the second. John and Alex did some first place roundings but couldn't hold the position.
Saturday, race 4 and 5 (around 15kn):
The strategy for the first upwind changed because the wind shifted significantly to the right after both starts. It was again the top section of the course which was important. I got them both perfect and got another two bullets.
Sunday, race 6 and 7 (14-18kn):
Again, early for Lake Brunnen, we started the first race before midday because of the brilliant job of the organizers. Like Saturday, after the start everyone headed for the left. Speed and height was important to get a nice spot to tack for the right. As per the day before I got in rhythm with the shifts and took the Sunday morning races.
Sunday, race 8 and 9 (14-8kn):
The wind dropped during the last two races of the championship. Especially downwind there were big gains or losses with the shifts and gusts. It was Fritz who got it all right and took the first. There were very shifty conditions for the last race and the Swiss EuroCup 2014 was history.
Full results can be found here.