The boat builders and sailmakers of Helsinki burnt the midnight oil last night to ensure that all boats in the Jacob's Creek Melges 24 European Championship would be ready to race again this morning.
The opening day of the Jacob's Creek Melges 24 European Championship in Helsinki was an absolute corker. The wind varied from 15 to 20 knots, swinging from SE to SW as the day worn on with a moderate chop and partially sunny conditions.
Registration is now completed and the fifty six Melges 24 crews are set to commence battle for the 2003 Jacob's Creek Melges 24 European Champion title tomorrow morning.
As you may be aware the problem of supply of Melges 24 masts has been the subject of some discussion in recent months. At present the IMCA World Council is still awaiting clarification from the builders of the exact position regarding availability of masts from the existing manufacturer.
A great weekend of racing for a 14 boat fleet in Helsinki saw Kenneth Thelen's Team Suunto win the Finnish Championship title for a record fourth time.The margin to the second place boat was again the lowest possible, 1 point.
Please note that your Europeans entry is NOT VALID for the Finnish Championships. This Championship race is a separate European ranking event one week before the Europeans. Race dates will be from Friday the 25th to Sunday the 27th of July.
From IMCA Technical Advisor David Chivers - At a recent Class regatta we had the opportunity to check the results list with the National Authority to see if all the boats had valid certificates. Sad to say that several boats had either no certificate or one in the wrong name.
From Gunter Tzeschlock. After 6 races on course Bravo at Kiel bay the Finnish Team SUUNTO FIN 236 skippered by Kenneth Thelen are the winners of the German Open 2003. 17 boats checked in and for the first time we could welcome a Melges24 team of Ukraine on German Waters.
From Egidio Babbi - Hi everybody. What do you think about 9 or more races in a beautiful sailing area, full of sunshine, with deep and blue sea and regular wind 3-4bft from w-sw?
From Tomi Hakola in Finland - Those boats/teams that havent done their entry to the Europeans you have only a few hours to avoid the 30% late entry fee! If you know some boat/team that is coming but isnt on our entry list - please make them a reminder call.
