VX One Racing Europe 2023 at Segelclub Walchensee
by VX ONE Klassenvereinigung Deutschland 9 Sep 2023 10:28 BST
22-23 July 2023
After a lot of preparation, the biggest VX ONE class event in Germany so far has ended very successfully. It will take a few more days until 1000 photos are viewed and videos are edited, until then a few first impressions.
Despite travel distances of over 500km and 700km and a dubious weather forecast, all six registered crews found their way to the beautiful Walchensee. This presented itself already on Friday in its whole crystal clear splendor and incomparable color, so the guests turned already in the afternoon their first rounds on the future playing field.
For Saturday, everything from rain to thunderstorms was forecast, but despite all fears, there was sunshine and - even more unexpected - wind! Not in the usual strength, but it was enough for 14 knots downwind. Quickly a three-headed group of favorites emerged, which should settle the weekend among themselves. Five races were scheduled, four of them could already be sailed on Saturday. The last race could just be finished in only 5 knots of wind, the other two classes 505 and 29er were not started. The results after the first day were still close together with 7, 8 and 9 points, everything was open.
On Sunday, we waited a little longer for the onset of thermals in wonderful sunshine, an unfavorable base current prevented the Walchensee-usual 4-5 Beaufort, but with constant 8-10 knots could be sailed well. And so in the end there was a really exciting match between 1st and 2nd place, which was decided with a clever overtaking maneuver on a downwind course and determined the overall winner in the last meters.
Benedikt Koll and Stefan Mikosch, starting for the Arendsee'r Regattaverein 08 e.V. with 8 points were happy about their first place and a set of VX ONE Crew-Polos with their own name on it. With 10 points Jörg Fleischer, Ralf Höhler and Patrick Zimmermann, started for the Segelclub Rheingau e.V., were really close behind. They won a voucher from the KV for a set of CA compliant bow numbers. Particularly noteworthy is the commitment of Patrick. The participation was so important to him that he took it upon himself to travel alone the 500km by adventure train after he had to pick up his school report on Friday morning. Patrick, thank you for so much enthusiasm! The bronze medal and a set of VX ONE baseball caps went to Anna Seidl, Andreas Vincon and Laura Fischer for the Club der Kreuzer Abteilung e.V.. Andy had brought a capable crew into the boat with Anna and Laura, as they both sail successfully in the sailing national league.
The VX ONE KVD would like to thank especially the sailing club Walchensee e.V.. Not only for the hearty and at the same time professional organization of such an event, but also for the confidence to invite us as a new class. The Walchensee is an extraordinary area. Known as a windy surfer's and kiteboarder's paradise, it surprises especially first-time visitors with an incredible ambience: the water crystal clear, the landscape unspoiled, the scenery breathtaking - it is a privilege to be allowed to sail here.
With almost the same boat speeds, we as water sailors perfectly complement the field next to the two slipping classes 505 and 29er. A very positive side effect: Some of the 505 sailors and some pairs of parents of the 29er kids have informed themselves very extensively about the VX ONE, three dates for test sailing have already been arranged.
To improve the feasibility of the event, Race Officer Hjalmar Heinen enlarged the course by adding a set-back finish line so that the classes could start at 10-minute intervals.With a water depth of 180 meters, each additional buoy is a major expense, but it was worth it: despite the short time slot, a total of 18 races were completed.
Also very generous, we were allowed to place our photographer on one of the jury boats for a whole day, which gave us great pictures of our young class. Expressly praised for our discipline on the course, we may hope to return to Walchensee next year, with a larger field and hopefully international participation.