(Travemunde, Germany)- The European J/22 class loves participating in
the Travemunde Woche because it not only offers great racing in tight
one-design race courses, but also a simply mind-blowing festival on land
that includes some of Europe's (and Germany's) top rock & roll
acts. Plus, the Festival Travemunde that runs simultaneously to the
sailing week, has dozens of activities for the family to enjoy while
other's are out sailing.For the eighteen J/22s, it was great sailing with a broad range of weather over the regatta. In the end, it was the French JAZZY team of Reiner Brockerhoff, Charles Michauz and Christophe Declercque that trumped by running the table with nearly straight 2nds!! In fact, six 2nds, one 1st and a toss race 6th! Amazing. Second was the German team of Jorg Friedlin, Holger Neuhaus and Carsten Engel with a 4-3-4-5-3-1-1-2 record for 18 pts net. Third was yet another German team of Martin Menzner, Christian Drews and Frank Lichte tearing off three 1sts in a row, followed by a DNC-4-4-4-4-4 for 19 pts net. Fourth was another German team of Svend Hartog, Dirk Fischer and Stefanie Schweder sailing to a 5-4-8-1-1-3-2-10 for 24 pts net. Then in fifth was top Netherlands team comprised of Stan Heltzel, Nadine Fritz and Jean-Michel Lautier with an 8-OCS-3-6-9-5-12-5 for 48 pts net.
The
J/22s had a tight finale. Martin Menzner/Christian Drews/Frank Lichte
from Kiel, who dominated on the first day, were left searching in vain
for the right trim on Friday. ”We then missed the first start”, said
Menzner. “We did a practice before the start – but for too long. The
starting signal went off while we were still on our way.” They did
better on the course in the following runs, gaining three fourth places,
but they had to resist strong attacks from their rivals. “It was tough
in the J22. I didn’t have this kind of competition in my original class –
the J80”, reported Menzner!What makes Travemunde special for all friends and family participating in this sailing week? As reported by Reiner's French crew, "As always in Travemunde we spend the evenings on the huge fun-fair, we try all the culinary specialties, and like every German try a different beer each time. This is truly a magical place with tall ships and all!" For more J/22 German Open/ Travemunde Sailing Week sailing information
