Melges 24s Impress In Warnemünder As Lutz Boguhn Wins German Open Championship
During Warnemünder Woche 2010 the Melges24 class was invited to sail the German Open 2010. The class has been part of Germany’s second biggest sailing week in 2009 and sailed a ranking event there and was very satisfied with the infrastructure at “Yachtfafen Hohe Düne” – the sailing venue just at the front-door of the marina is considered as the best in whole Germany.
The German Olypic teams are located here – they know why…
For the German Open 19 teams signed in – all members of the German Class but no entries from Scandinavia. Our friends from Austria and Switzerland preferred to sail at Torbole Week which is reasonable.
Anyway 19 boats are O.K. and the Melges24 was the biggest One-Design Sportboat fleet.
Racing started on Wednesday in 15 knots wind and BIG WAVES which enabled phantastic sailing up-and downwind. During the day the wind dropped to 8-10 knots but 4 races could be completed. The fleet was exhausted but happy when it returned to the Marina.
In the evening the members met to hold the 2010 AGM of the class and to decide on the future of the class.
For Thursday and Friday the wind was in a range on 8 – 12 knots which enabled 5 more races.
For Saturday the final race was scheduled – but the heat wave has reached Warnemünde and the SE gradient wind worked against the reliable sea-breeze. The Race Committee and the class management decided to cancel race 10 and the boats where craned out.
Racing was tough and tight as usual – a good training for the Worlds 2010 and saw different teams winning races.
The winners come from Flensburg and tested their crew-setup for the Wolrds 2010. Lutz Boguhn owner of “Ferun sponsored by Wirsol” is sailing with Hendrik Witzmann, Kai Falkenthal and Brian Hutchinson. Hendrik and Kai are well-known racers in Germany and to introduce Brian is for sure not necessary as he is with the Melges24 class from their beginning.
Second place was taken by “Puma-sponsored” NED 711 helmed by Henrik Hellman and third place went to GER 677 “White Room” helmed by Andy Vincon.
Besides racing socializing is very important to show the class is attractive. The AGM was public and sailors from other classes were listening on our planning for 2011 / 2012 and we got straight away positive feedback.
For Thursday night the German Class invited all Melges24 teams as well as the Race Committee and the Jury for cold drinks directly at the docks. A big success and Melges24 class has found new friends.
For Friday night the organizers invited the class for a Barbeque at the organizers marquee. All crews showed up and could be met later in the party locations at Warnemünde.
Many thanks to all the teams joining us – we had a great time at Warnemünde.
Günter Tzeschlock
11.07.2010