RS Vareos at Open Dutch Skiff Trophy in Bruinisse, Netherlands
by Nick Crickmore 16 Sep 2015 22:09 BST
11-13 September 2015
Day One: Friday - Training Day
The UK contingent had travelled over on the ferry the day before, so everyone was able to meet at the club Friday morning. With clear blue skies and a gentle breeze we couldn't have asked for a better start to the event.
We began onshore with a general boat tuning discussion and then went out for a fun sail.
After lunch PRO Arkie and his team set a short windward leeward course for a succession of quick fire one lap races together with some early arrivals from the RS Aero, RS800, Musto Skiff and foiling Moth fleets.
In the evening we met at the Sailors Inn at the other end of the marina to review photos of the day's racing action over a meal including speciality dish of mussels farmed in the adjoining lake.
Day Two: Saturday - Racing
With a fresh breeze and the prospect of less favourable conditions on Sunday the fleet elected to do additional races today if possible.
The fleet were split into 2 starts for under and over 900 PY.
There was a simple windward leeward course with a leeward gate, the fast boats starting first.
In the event, 4 races were completed.
All 3 mainsails were represented amongst the RS Vareos, with some electing to run deep on mainsail alone on the windier legs, the better angle largely compensating for lack of spinnaker.
Thanks to good race management, the fleets finished close together for minimum waiting between races.
Unfortunately for most of the RS Vareo fleet gear failure resulted in early baths, with only Rian staying out to the end.
Note to fleet - better preparation next time!
For the races completed the RS Vareos were well represented in the top half of the fleet with Nick Crickmore managing to score a 3rd and a 1st on handicap before retiring.
Saturday evening there was an all you can eat marquee buffet laid on by the club.
Day Three: Sunday - Racing
We launched on schedule with a light breeze and sunshine eager to complete the remaining 3 races before the forecast thunderstorm had a chance to develop.
During a pleasant 20 minute run to the start area there was plenty of time to practice light airs spinnaker technique and test our pace against the other classes.
However, the wind departed causing a lengthy postponement.
The committee boat developed into a shanty island of boats and took on visitors from all fleets for an impromptu social gathering accompanied by music from the on board sound system.
Apart from an informal race to a nearby Dutch barge and back by the 49er fleet there was no racing, but what little wind there was did turn around 180 degrees for a slow drift back to the harbour.
Of course, as is always the case, once we were all safely ashore and packing up the wind returned but the thunder never came nor did any rain until we all set to leave following the prize-giving.
Results from Open Class Two (4 races):
21 entries: 5 x RS Vareo, 7 x Topper ISO, 6 x RS500, 1 x Laser 4000, 1 x Topper Omega, 1 x Laser Vago
10th overall Rian Pulles
12th overall Nick Crickmore
17th overall Arwin Bos
joint 19th Richard Holmes and Servaas Freijsen
RS Vareo European Champion: Rian Pulles
RS Vareo 2nd: Nick Crickmore
RS Vareo 3rd: Arwin Bos
RS Vareo Youth (under 45): Servaas Freijsen
RS Vareo Best Newcomer: Richard Holmes