(Budapest, Hungary)- Lake Balaton was the scene of the recent Hungarian
J/24 National Championships. A gorgeous setting on one of the prettiest
lakes in Central Europe, it often serves up capricious winds that can
be very puffy and shifty or simply benign with sun-burnt days and gentle
breezes. 
This
year's championship saw eighteen boats participate and the level of
sailing amongst the top five was extremely close. While the first day
of racing was canceled due to a light offshore breeze, the second day
dawned with the long-awaited NW breeze of 14-16 knots. Four exciting
races were completed. Litkey Wolf sailed "lights out", taking three
1sts and a 2nd on his boat PEUGEOT/ LITKEY SAILS. Second place for the
day was Michael Filo's ZULU with a 1-2-3. Attila Nagy's GARFIELD/
QUANTUM SAILS took third for the day. Also showing good form was Gabor
Makai's NORD TELEKOM and Erik Hercsel's SAIL FOR YOU. 
The
third day was going to push the teams even harder to the edge. Some
considered genoas, but most opted for 100% jibs in the conditions. The
wind was a bit stronger than forecast, blowing 17-19 knots from the NW.
The teams fought bravely in the waves and strong breeze, enjoying some
great racing and surfs on Lake Balaton! The Wolf's PEUGEOT "express"
continued their excellent performance and after eight races had the
championship won. The club's PRO tried to get in one last race, but the
weather simply would not cooperate as the breeze had died towards the
end of the day.So, the championship was decided in eight races. A gold medal to Litkey Wolf and his team, who defended their championship titles. The silver medal goes to Michael Filo on ZULU and the bronze to Nagy's GARFIELD/ QUANTUM SAILS. Rounding out the top five we find that fourth was Antal Szekely's COMPASS and fifth was Nagy's NORD TELEKOM.
As a result of this regatta, the Hungarian J/24 Season Championship also goes to Wolf's PEUGEOT/ LITKEY Sails team, followed by Makai's NORD TELEKOM in second, Nagy's GARFIELD/ QUANTUM in third, Hercsel's SAIL FOR YOU in fourth and Dr Thomas Wolf's J'KORSZAK in fifth.
Congratulations to all Hungarian J/24 sailors! Thank you for supporting the sponsors who contributed to the high level of competition all season long- Bernhofer Hotel, Compass Magazine, Manézs Bistro, Corner Merchandise, Site Talk In EyeWind, pontráérek.hu, The Body Shop, Porthole, Quantum Sails & BFYC. For more J/24 Hungary Sailing information
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