RS Aero European Championship at Travemünde - Runners and Riders
by RS Aero International Class Association 23 Jul 2016 10:28 BST
25-29 July 2016
RS Aero European Championship Trophies © RS Aero International Class Association
55 RS Aeros from 11 nations are already entered and with many sailors from across Europe and the World having not yet met, the form guide remains wide open. This leaves potential event leaders hard to pick, however, here is a short summary of those with form so far this season.
Ants Haavel (EST) - With three podium finishes so far in 2016 at the Czech Open in May, the Lithuanian Regatta in June and at Tallinn's Baltic Cup event in July, Ants will certainly be trying to go one better at the summer's big event.
Simonas Jersovas (LTU) - with podium finishes in Lithuania and Estonia including race wins Simonas' youthful improvement is likely to see him often right at the front.
Kristo Ounap (EST) - Wins in both Estonia and Lithuania together with several Tallinn Tuesday series wins makes Kristo an obvious title contender.
Dmitry Tretyakov (RUS) - Part of the large St. Petersburg Laser fleet, Dmitry is a young sailor with high aspirations and comes into the RS Aero Europeans as a potential contender.
David Ellis (GBR) - Fresh from his RS Aero 7 victory in the light wind UK Nationals but over 5 days will he be caught out if the breeze blows?
Will Taylor (GBR) - The RS Aero 5 2015 UK Champion moves up to the 7 rig, watch out for him if the weather turns light.
Peter Barton (GBR) - RS Aero 9 UK champion will be back in his comfort zone with the 7 rig at Travemunde.
Marcus Walther (GER) - A leading sailor in the last two German events we can expect to see Marcus around the front of the fleet.
Silvia Johanna Haavel (EST) - Winning the RS Aero 5s in the RS Aerocup
Barcelona in 2015 puts Silvia amongst the favourites in the 5s.
Archie Hainsworth (GBR) - The UK RS Aero 5 Champion is looking to go one better with his sights set on the European crown.
With 9 Ladies entered there is an interesting Ladies contest brewing in the RS Aero 7s. Here are some contenders, all of whom could feature well overall too...
Jane Peckham (GBR) - 3rd place overall in the UK Southern Champs
Juliane Barthel (GER) - Placed 2nd at the Haltern event near Dortmund recently. Tidy sailing will certainly see her up with the leaders.
Liina Kolk (EST) - Liina won a Tallinn Tuesday series recently, beating Kristo in a light breeze.
Sailors from USA, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Latvia and Netherlands complete the International line up and with yet unknown form could feature high in each of the fleets.
A family competition, similar to the popular contest at the UK Nationals, counts the overall results from two family members. This now has a nice international flavour with 6 family teams entered representing the 5 nations of EST, GER, USA, GBR and LTU.
RS Sailing have kindly provided three magnificent European Champion's trophies of complete replica RS Aeros mounted in a fine display box for the proud winners.
As ever Travemünde Woche will put on a memorable show with great racing afloat and a fantastic festival atmosphere ashore. Bring it on!
For an awesome taster video of what to expect see the following video...
Keep in touch with Everything Aero via the class website at www.rsaerosailing.org and Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/rsaeroclass and for RS Aero Europeans results via the Travemunde Woche website at www.travemuender-woche.com/results-2016.html