Alfa Romeo Cup 4 – Haugesund Race Weekend Report

During 3 days the Melges 24 fleet attending met all kind of weathers – and wind conditions – making the event a great tune up for the Europeans and the Nationals soon coming up.

On Friday Brian Hutchinson coached the fleet in light air and chop – as well as following the long distance race in the evening. The Melges 24 had the late start but during the 10 nautical mile course – they were in the lead – passing Farr 40s and X35s as well as around 45 other boats.
 
Saturday was a hard wind day with puffs as hard as 35 knots – again the Melges fleet caught up with the X35s and had some fantastic runs in foggy and very wet conditions. As normal – boats making the course without broaching won the race, as conditions were very tricky.
 
Sunday the wind was even stronger on the Alfa course – so the fleet sailed in the bay – sheltered by land. Strong winds, flat water and winds shifts made the day a nice challenge and again some superb runs – as well as upwind at maximum speed whilst hiking fully.
 
The social side was taken very well care of due to the yearly Jazz festival taking place alongside the regatta, with many live concerts, markets, food stands and vibrant restaurants. Only 2 years before the Europeans will be held in Haugesund, the boats attending got a feel for the conditions on the course as well as the excellent logistics – with the docks 10 meters from the hotel and restaurants.
 
The winner this year by 2 points was Seilgal with Per Helgesen and crew – second overall to Sebago with Kristian Nergaard.