2024 29er EuroCup #5 at Hyeres, France - Overall
by International 29er Class 7 Apr 08:39 BST
29 March - 1 April 2024
Four intense days of regatta for the 5th leg of the 2024 Ovington 29er EuroCup hosted by Coych in Hyeres, France.
Out of 107 boats taking part, (34 in the Women's fleet, 24 in the Mixed fleet and 49 in the Men's fleet) over 54% of boats racing had at least one or more women onboard showing that the International 29er Fleet is fast becoming one of the most popular youth fleets where both Men and Women can compete on equal footing in a range of combinations, to experience the best in high performance racing alongside the fun and supportive class community throughout the World.
The weather this Easter weekend provided many challenges for the competitors and race teams alike. With a strong easterly wind and rain, this did not favor the first days of racing and whilst competitors were sent afloat, the wind increased to over 28 knots and competitors had to return to shore soon after launching, many still making the most of the chance to sail in these conditions with spinnakers up blasting downwind!
Unfortunately after a second challenging day on the water only 1 race had been accomplished and the pressure was on for the second half of the regatta.
Not ones to shy away from challenge, on Sunday March 31, the race committee decided to advance the time of the first warning signal to 10 am to try and find the best window for the two fleets to sail. The first fleet left the harbour at 9.20 am, but between 9.45 am and 10.00 am an intense thunderstorm with strong gusts forced the organising authority to bring the racers back in. The nautical staff remained in place to be ready as soon as conditions allowed. At 11.30 am the first fleet launched again, followed by the second at 12.15 pm.
3 races were held in a 10/12 knot southerly wind, with the wind then swinging round to the east and building to 15 knots for the fourth race. 5 qualifying races were completed for both of the two fleets.
Monday morning at 9:15am, the Gold fleet reached the race zone, followed by the Silver fleet for the last day and finals racing. The sun had returned with a strengthening wind and 3 races finals races were completed for the Gold fleet and two for the Silver fleet. The prize-giving ceremony took place at 15.30 and the sailors, coaches and parents enjoyed the camaraderie that makes the 29er fleet unique. A fantastic Easter Weekend had by all.
Overall Results: (top three)
Men's Fleet
DEMURTAS Alex/GIOVANNI Santi ITA
LE GOFF Jocelyn/VIDOR Jules FRA
HOLT Niklas/WEGENER Mads DEN
Women's Fleet
SCHNEIDER Sophiie/EGGER Victoria GER
HEINILA Una/LAUKKANEN Silja sophie FIN
MAIER Marie/SCHROLL NORGAARD Nanna DEN
Mixed Fleet
LEWANDOWSKA Ewa/KROLIK Krzysztof POL
JANNIN Sarah/BENHAYOUN Benjamin FRA
CONTARDI Frederica/DI PIETRO Lorenzo ITA