Javelin Europeans at Uitdam, Holland Overall

For this year's European Championships the British Javelin fleet travelled to Uitdam on the Islemeer near Amsterdam between 23rd and 30th July 2001.

Thirteen British boats, the biggest fleet for nearly ten years, joined nineteen others from Holland and Germany for the nine-race program. The organisation by the Dutch and the OD was excellent but the emphasis was very definitely on fun.

The weather was hot and sunny with light to medium airs over the Islemeer all week, much to the disadvantage of some crews as their boat weight invariably increased as the event progressed following certain over indulgencies.

The opening ceremony was held with Spanish theme, as the Europeans were originally planned for La Roses in Spain. The Mayor of Waterland did the honour followed by free food and sangria. It was noted that some of the British fleet were a little more conservative in their consumption of local hospitality than the previous year.

The first day consisted of two back to back races. The first two places in both races shared between the Champions for the last two years the Schlittenhards and Broeker/Prehn making it a strong day for the Germans. The best British performance was the Earls in Third place. That evening a barbeque had been organised with free beer. It was unusual in the fact that everybody had been given a food parcel to cook them selves on numerous BBQ's. This proved very social.

Three races back to back followed on the second day of racing with the Schlittenhard's continuing their strong start with 2,1,1. Frank and Mieke Zambera showed there potential with the first Dutch win 1,6,13. Unfortunately Mieke was to break some fingers later in the day and finished any chances they had of a top 5 spot. Broeker kept up the pressure with 5,3,3, and Frank Scheel who had retired the previous day following a bad collision got a consistent 4,2,3. Top Brit was again the Earls with a commendable 4,5,4.

The British fleet split up for the evening with some going to a local village and the rest finding the lure of Amsterdam too much to bear. All arrived back at the site happy. The window-shopping being altogether different from that you found back home.

Saturday started with fresher winds and an unknown peril in the form of floating weed which caught out many boats in the first race. This was however to be the Brits day with two wins. The Earls took the first 1,10,3 and Dixon/Partington 8,5,1 the last. Pickles/Penrose had been in fifth place most of the week and looked like winning the mixed trophy. Smith/Dyson also got their best result with a third in race seven. Winterburn /Sagar had also been going well till a shackle holding the furling gear snapped causing them to nearly loose the mast.

Katwoude was the venue for the dinner dance where all the fleet partied until the early hours. Group photos were taken along with the obligatory Mexican wave.

Sunday was to be the last day of racing and it started in light shifty airs Honorary Brits Deinhart/Schluter got their best result of the week, coming forth to win the virgins trophy. Nick Johnson sailing with his dad Gavin won the junior trophy but it was left to the Schlittenhards to take their third European Championships in a row by winning the final race by a clear margin. As they crossed the line the race committee set off fireworks and water cannons in celebration.

All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable event and with sad heart we said our goodbyes and all looked forward to meeting up again next year for the Eurocup 2002 in Germany.

Overall Results:

More Information:

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