(Brassermeer Sea, The Netherlands)- The start of the J/22s in the 2011 season has traditionally been the "Warm Up" on the "big sea" (actually a lake). In addition, the regatta is one of the first in the German standings, so most teams that want to be competitive for the season participate in the event, over twenty-one teams showed up for this year's event.
As one competitor remarked after the first day of racing, "at a dinner in the clubhouse, we sit together with the four German teams, "talk shop" and end the day. Of the Dutch teams, only the "GILL RACING TEAM" and part of the Regatta Committee is there. Most of the Dutch seem to operate in sailing like we go to the gym: Go there - Sports - have a beer or coffee and then go home!" Too funny.
The
first event took place under very mild conditions for the weekend. The
forecast was sun, but not much wind. Saturday morning, all 23 teams,
including four German boats, went out to test themselves for patience.
Everyone drifted to the starting boat. At about 1400 hours the wind
came and eventually the fleet made two starts. It was bizarre racing,
with winds fluctuating from 2 to 6 knots and at least 30 degrees wind
shifts. At the end, it was SIKA TEAM first, HENRI LLOYD second and TEAM
HELLY HANSEN third. The day ended with a Happy Hour of the J22 class
and a delicious dinner of Ron.Sunday morning was even flatter than the day before. After what seemed an eternity, the fleet finally gets in three races. SIKA TEAM with Ronald, Robert and Joost took all the loot. All in all it was a beautiful weekend and the struggle for the season series champion is very much open and up for grabs. For more J/22 Netherlands sailing information.