(Flensburg, Germany)- Flensburg Sailing Club hosts the annual Flensburg
Sailing Week every autumn and for the last few years has also hosted the
FSC Deutsche Open for the J/80 class. Over the three days in mid-September, sixteen J/80s managed to get in some great sailing with the weather, in general, cooperating nicely for the three days.
Day 1 - The first two races were sailed at about 8 knots of wind, with PROCEEDS DIVA winning the first two. In the third race of the day the wind was barely strong enough for a race, this nerve-sapping race could ultimately decide the leaders for the first day. At the end of the day, PROCEEDS DIVA was first, just two points behind them were the past winner of the regatta- Team PIKE- and third was Gordon Nickel skippering ANEGADA from Bremen.
Day 2 - At 2-6 knots, the two races on Saturday were long, long races with many exciting changes in positions. After several hours of postponement the fleet sailed what some sailors thought were "lottery" races. Nevertheless, Team PIKE took advantage and won two races, moving themselves into first overall. Behind him was a complete turnover in the standings. Lying 2nd was Sven Vagt sailing CAMPAIGN and third was Kiel sailor Martin Menzer. PROCEEDS DIVA and ANEGADA dropped to 4th and 5th, respectively.
Day 3 Final Day- On Sunday morning the teams were excited about the great sailing weather for the last three races: a constant WNW wind around 10 knots with brilliant sunshine. Team PIKE took a 1st and 2nd in the first two races and didn't have to sail the race last. PROCEEDS DIVA sailed to a 3-1-1 to secure 2nd overall, ANEGADA persevered and took third overall and the surprise was the strong showing of the Polish team MOONRAKER, snagging 4th place in from of Team CAMPAIGN that finished 5th.
In conclusion, it was an exciting event for all and some great sailing. It was also the third title for Team PIKE, having regained their former performance from previous seasons. For more German Open J/80 sailing information
