Light Winds Result In Minimal Racing At Austrian Nationals But Sylvia Vogl Triumphs Despite Difficulties
17 teams coming from 5 nations (AUT, SUI, GER, CZE & SLO) met over the ascension day weekend at Traunsee to sail the 3rd Austrian Open. The International Melges24 class was invited to be part of the BMW Allianz Traunsee Sailing Week – the most important sailing event in the Alps area.
The Austrian class management was ready to confirm the invitation and was happy to get confirmation for sailing at Ebensee which is famous for thermical winds comparable to the Northern Italian lakes.
The only matter which couldn’t be influenced when preparing the event was the weather – and for the first time in 8 year Traunsee Sailing Week there was steady rain and therefore the thermical winds could not develop. A massive low pressure sitting in Northern Italy was sending a lot of clouds and even more rain.
The race committee tried to set up fair races but the winds were not steady – nor in direction neither in direction, not an easy job for the IRO.
Finally one run could be sailed which was won by former 470 olympic sailor Sylvia Vogl and her team sailing AUT 794, second place was taken by GER 543 helmed by Wolfgang Niessen and 3rd place went to SUI 336 helemd by Hans-Martin Amrein.
Even if this sounds disappointing the Melges24 sailors didn’t loose their good mood due to a perfect organization, a friendly club and an ideal location to host the event. Last but not least the social program was outstanding – 2 evening were hosted by the Segel Club Ebensee which proofed to be to be a perfect party location. One evening all sailors participating in the Traunsee Sailing Week were invited to Schloss Eggenberg, a famous brewery and one of the event sponsors.
As there is no requirement for a minimum no. of races for winning the title Sylvia Vogl and her team were declared as winners of Austrian Open 2010.
After the race is befor the race and Austrian class has been already in contact with the organizers of Traunsee Sailing Week asking if they are ready to host the Austrian Open 2011.
RESULTS - Please note that the list is not correct, all boats were at the starting line, GER 586 and AUT 609 finished “DNF"