J80 World Championship at Kieler Yacht Club - Day 3
by Martina Nebelung 9 Jul 2015 16:52 BST
5-10 July 2015
J/80 Worlds at Kiel day 2 © Sven Jürgensen / Mittelmann's Werft
Weather-capers at Schilksee
The Kiel Fjord has everything in store for the 50 sailors of 8 nationalities. After yesterday, when for two hours everything stopped due to lack of wind on the competition course, the wind came late this afternoon with might. The Race Officer Fabian Bach called the yachts back into the shelter of the harbour. After consultation with the graduated meteorologist Meeno Schrader from "WetterWelt" the following races for Wednesday were cancelled.
Closer than yesterday the Spanish "Bribon Movistar" managed to hold the first place, just one point ahead of the second place currently held by the Spaniard Rayco Babares Alvarez. Marc de Antonio was quite satisfied with the day's racing "Again we sailed well, our competitors from the Princeas Yaiza did too. They are closing in on us and Friday should be a very thrilling final" explained Marc de Antonio straight after the two races today.
The third place is, with 17 points, held by the French "Co-Pilotes" ahead of the best German team around Björn Beilken from Bremen. Beilken profited from the first discard result after seven races which the crew can choose after a bad result. The remaining races will counted. And so Beilken was able to overtake the so far best German, Martin Menzner.
"At strong winds we have the boat well under control and although we did a spin-out, at the end we were third" explained Beilken. A spin-out is when the yacht is no longer steerable and inclines excessively. Nothing for people with bad nerves!" The skipper of the "Procedes Diva" added "Today we were sailing in Strand Bay where the swell was light but wind gusts prevailed. We sailed to our tactic and tried to cash in on the wind changes". The crew has sailed in the current formation since 2012 and took home in the World Championship both in 2011 and 2012 the 11th place.
Beilken's résumé after three day's racing: "We know Kiel and we enjoy sailing here. The judges responded to adverse situations speedily, thus cancelling the only "pig's race" on Tuesday. The on-shore organization is super. The food tasted good and everyone was satisfied".
With a six-point gap, the "Bootswerft Winkler-campaign" was able to enter 5th place in the results list. Helmsman Sven Vagt was able to delete his 51st placing of yesterday which he pocketed after a protest, and jumped from the 11th to the 5th place. Martin Menzner with his crew is the third best German team with taking the 8th place in the overall score of the 2nd racing day.
Still after three successful racing days there is no definite favourite in sight. And also between the German teams it remains thrilling. The weather forecast for Thursday is very strong winds so that it is not yet sure whether sailing can take place.
For sailors and visitors on shore there are refreshments available in the Event Centre at the Sailor's Lounge (Vaasehalle). Commencing Thursday the RWE Mobil baker will spread wonderful odours in the harbour's surroundings. RWE, Germany's 2nd largest energy provider, will present itself as event sponsor of the World Championship in the most indulging way, serving delicious waffles for free.
At the KYC dinner on Tuesday evening the "Friesisch Brauhaus zu Jever" tickled one's taste-buds. The sailors and volunteers already enjoyed themselves at the opening last Sunday thanks to the offer of free beer with Friesian Bitter. Of course there are non-alcoholic alternatives such as "Jever Fun" or soft drinks from Coco Cola being served.
The J/80 Worlds are sponsored by Helly Hansen, Faber+ Münker
RWE, the Friesian Brewery of Jever, Pantaenius Yacht insurance, the "Segler Zeitung", "WetterWelt", the "Offenen Kanal Kiel" and the State Capital Kiel.
Information-starved can get current news on the event homepage, www.j80worlds2015.com.