In the morning of the last F18 Europeans racing day, nothing was decided, and any of the top three teams in the provisional ranking could reasonably aim for final victory…
PRO invited both fleets to be early on the race course, plan being to complete two races for each, so that sailors could benefit from one discard.
Unfortunately, and as it is often the case, one never got the usual weather conditions, and the expected “Ora Wind”, which is characteristic of Garda Lake, never showed up.
So, after completing one single race for Gold Fleet, sailed under light breeze, Race Committee didn’t succeeded to build up any other course, despite long waiting time on the water under pretty hot temperature.
In this game, Ravi Parent and crew limited damage by finishing 8th, Demesmaeker-Tas being 13th, and Burvill-Puttmann 14th, five teams being scored UFD.
A long waiting period started then, until it was certain no clear start could be done before 3:30pm deadline, and AP on A to be displayed.
Then US team won the event, 6 points ahead Aussies, and 7 mere points ahead first European pair Demesmaeker-Tas.
Great event whatever, following two years of Covid pandemic, with such good participation numbers, and an impressive skill level at the front of the fleet.
It is to notice the good performance of French Cédric Bader, crewed by Danish Nicolaj Bjornholt, recent winners of the German Nationals sailed in the very same place, in a tie with Mitch Booth and son Jordi, getting here a 5th place, and being awarded first Family team.
For the Masters title, no surprise! Our faithfull Helge & Christian Sach added a new crown to their well-stocked collection, finishing 10th overall.
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