San Remo Volvo Winter Cup report

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16 March 2010

article1 Because of illness from Hadin we had to look for a replacement crew member. Fortunately we could engage René Schenk as crew for our Team. Friday morning we met in the Thunersee Yacht Club and picked up all the sails and sailing gear.

During the morning Fidschi, Wudu and Padé drove the boat down to San Remo and in the afternoon they rigged and prepared the boat. Alain and René arrived in the evening so the EFG crew was ready for the first race in the year 2010.

Saturday morning we putted the boat in the water and checked the sails. So before noon we left the port to practice the manoeuvres and check the conditions on the sea. The wind was about 5 to 12 knots from southwest shifting to west.

In the first race we took a 7^th place. In the second race we finished 9^th. The boat speed and starts were generally good. Our goal for the next day was to improve our downwind speed specially surfing the waves in better ways. But overall we were very satisfied and happy an went for a well deserved beer.

Sunday morning we taped the gennaker and trimmed the boat for strong wind, because of a strong wind forecast. As we checked the conditions on the race area we only had about 7 knots from northeast shifting to east. In the first race of the day we took the left side for the upwind, which didn’t pay at the end. But with a very strong downwind and upwind we improved to 9^th place Well done! In the second race we were in a pack at the leeward mark. So we took the save option a lost luck a lot of boats taking the outer lane... Sadly we had to write a 16^th place for this race. For the last race the wind was going down and the waves rested. We had an amazing start on the left side and could hold our position. At the top mark we rounded in 5th position. On the downwind leg we again had very good boat speed and handling in the waves. Because of a decreasing wind the race committee decided to shorten the course and we finished 3rd in this race. YEAH!

It was a great weekend in San Remo! The weather was okay and the wind was just right to exercise the boat handling. We had great teamwork and good boat speed. So we can say we are ready for the next Volvo Cup in San Remo.

Cheers!