Magic Marine Optimist Easter Regatta at Lake Braassemermeer - Day 3
by Carrie Howe 5 Apr 2015 22:47 BST
3-6 April 2015
A bright end to the day
A beautiful Easter morning welcomed the third day of racing at the Magic Marine Easter Regatta, with all boats launching on time. The first race was underway as scheduled, however due to the lack of wind, only Gold Fleet managed to finish before the wind ran out, with the other two fleets races having to be abandoned. The postponement flag marked the mid part of the day with patient sailors waiting in the brilliant sunshine and warm temperatures.
The wind did not disappoint, however, filling in with a constant 8-knot breeze at the end of the day from the North, with the sun still shining at 15.00. This resulted in glorious racing conditions for the optimist sailors in the afternoon sun. The race committee pushed for two races in Bronze and Silver and three races in the Gold fleet.
Dutch talent Annabelle Westerhof commented, "The Easter Regatta is a great event to test what we have practiced all winter against other countries. This year Finland has a great team and countries like Latvia, which I don't know much about, are also here. We look forward to see the entire Dutch and International teams at the start the season."
Although there was some waiting throughout the day, spirits were kept high with an on the water visit from the Easter Bunny, alongside the event chicken who was on tour throughout the day. The race committee even started the day with an annual 7 am "Easter breakfast" to prepare the team for the long day on the water.
The American team has travelled the farthest, but comfortable today in light air as several sailors sail in Long Island Sound where the summers have breathless days. "This was my day," commented Griffin Gigliotti. "While we were waiting we could swap ideas and different tactics with other countries in order to learn. At one point I received incredible advice from Germany about the constant shifts and because of that I got 5th in the race."
Comments from Sofia Segalla and Oliver Hurwitz from the US team, "We even went on tour through the canals on our optimists. And then Oliver fell out of the boat but we all had a great day. Our team qualified together and to sail against this many countries is incredible."
The race winners are announced each day together with 30th anniversary prizes to celebrate the anniversary of the event.
Lilly Hofman won two races in the Bronze fleet, "I wanted to show everything that I have learned. I was bummed to have not done well in the first days but today was great. I was focused and with my new sail I was super fast."
www.easter-regatta.nl