Hansa GUL VR Series 2020 - Series 1 Overall

Hansa Gul VR Series 2020 Podium places © Hansa class

Bob Schahinger, Liberty World Champion 2018 © Hansa class

On June 23rd 17 sailors took to their tablets, smartphones, laptops, and computers to compete in the final 8 races to complete the ten week series of races. There have been 4 events since my last report, and at that time Paul Phillips was in the lead with Rory McKinna and David Durston breathing down his neck (metaphorically obviously).

The last few events has seen an emergence of form from sailors lower down the table, with strong performances from James Woosnam, Mike Everitt, Bob Schahinger, Gerard Beans, and a newcomer, Paul Holzherr. Bob has been joining the events by zoom at midnight every week from Adelaide, and is the President of the International Hansa Class Association, and current Liberty World Champion (pictured here receiving his trophy in Hiroshima, Japan in 2018). His performances have been steadily improving as he has got to grips with the Virtual Regatta app, and is starting to demonstrate his on-water prowess virtually. Similarly, Gerard from the Netherlands has been creeping up the table, and even purchased a new laptop to help his competitiveness. Obviously the right kit is important for off water performances too.

Despite a more consistent set of top five performances David's results lacked the essential top positions that Paul and Rory managed to achieve over the last 4 events. Paul, who represented Hansa in the RYA's eSailing Class Championships as IRL3, kept level headed to the end, achieving two 2nd places, a 3rd place, and finishing on a high with three 1st places on the last day to secure the top spot. So the podium places for this series are:

1st - Paul Phillips
2nd - Rory McKinna
3rd - David Durston

Many thanks to Gul for sponsoring or activities. Paul will receive a £50 Gul voucher, Rory £40, and David £30. At least during this time when sailing is limited for many, and impossible for some, competitors will be able to choose new kit so that they'll at least look the part when the world returns to some sort of normal.

Overall Results: