Musto Skiff German Open at Travemünder Woche 2021
by Björn Blom 3 Aug 2021 09:15 BST
29 July - 1 August 2021
Event winner, Paul Dijkstra © Femke de Vries Fotografie
It was a big week for the GER Musto Skiff Class, who finally got to launch their 2021 season with the German Open at Travemünder Woche 2021.
The German Open event over 29th July to 1st August saw 16 Musto Skiffs participating from across Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
Day 1 - Thursday 29th July
On the first day we had gusting winds of up to 38kts, which did not permit racing for the Musto Skiffs. After a postponement, built on the slim chance of the wind dying down enough to race later in the day, it was decided that there would be no racing.
This decision was met with mixed feelings, but local sailors assured us that the conditions were too extreme on the racecourse. Instead, sailors all around the boat park got busy with socialising and boat maintenance.
Day 2 - Friday 30th July
We started our second day with one race in the morning on the normal course. However, it was very gusty - 10 to 30 knots - so we were sent back ashore.
At 15.00h we went out again and managed to do four races back-to-back. It was a short course right in front of the club, so it was nice for the supporters onshore, who managed to watch each race.
We had some great sailing across the day, but it was still very gusty, so eyes were everywhere. The racing was very close, but after five races, Paul Dijkstra (NED 601) was in 1st place, Roger Oswald (SUI 436) was in 2nd place, and Karsten Groth (NED 595) was in 3rd.
Day 3 - Saturday 1st August
For day 3, the wind did not permit any racing for anyone, apart from the ORC classes. Gusts of up to 40kts made it pretty clear in the early morning. The race committee held high hopes throughout the day, but had to concede to the strong, unpredictable and relentless winds.
With tomorrow's wind forecast to die down, 5 more races are now scheduled for Sunday.
Day 4 - Sunday 2nd August
For the final race day, reasonable winds were forecast. Against all odds, the weather gods kept their promise, but made sure that occasional rain with accompanying gusts kept things interesting - even for the top sailors.
The first of five races were scheduled for an early start at 10am, so coffee was in high demand. The fleet launched and races were started in rapid succession. Just four hours for five races required a tight schedule, but the race committee managed this very nicely.
Unfortunately, a thunderstorm started just before the fifth race, which ended a very successful day one race short. After nine races, Paul Dijkstra (NED 601) finished first overall, with Roger Oswald (SUI 436) finishing in second place, and Karsten Groth (NED 595) in third place. Congratulations, also, to Nino Sandmeier (GER 201), who was the best German sailor of the day, finishing in fifth place overall.
With much thanks to the event hosts at Travemünder Woche 2021, and also the GER Musto Skiff committee for organising the annual German Open for the class.
See final results here