(Stellendam, The Netherlands)- Last weekend saw the start of J/111
One-Design Racing in the Benelux region at the Van Uden Reco Regatta in
Stellendam. And, what a great start it was!!The conditions on Saturday were very tricky, to say at the least. The conditions saw very tight, close racing, demanding everything from everybody on the boats; resulting in some very exhausted crews at the end of the day.
But, what great racing! Three races, three different winners with the top three boats (Zwijnenburg’s SWEENY, Sigg’s LALLEKONIG and Vroom’s RED HERRING) all in a three-way tie on equal points! As a result, that meant the racing on Sunday was going to be anyone’s game to play for. Both de Liedekerke’s DJINN and Burkert’s TOP JOB were playing “catch-up”, learning a lot every turn around the course and getting closer and closer to the top 3.
On
Sunday, the wind kicked in like a hammer, beating the boats with brutal
force all day long. This ended up with TOP JOB (broken Jib#3.5) and
LALLEKONIG (injured person on board) needing to retire before the racing
actually began. Thankfully, they are both in good shape and will be
ready to resume racing at the next J/111-event in two week’s time.The two races sailed that day had two different winners: Zwijnenburg’s SWEENY and Vroom’s RED HERRING. The outcome again left both boats on equal points, tied for the lead. However, as ISAF-rules apply (best result in the last race is decisive), this made Vroom’s RED HERRING the winner of the first event. De Liedekerke’s DJINN showed great progress that day by catching up on the two leaders to take third overall.
All owners and crews were very enthusiastic and looking forward to the next J/111 Benelux One Design event- the North Sea Regatta in Scheveningen from May 13th to 16th. Then, all participating boats in the races in the Benelux countries will also participate in the J/111 World Championship in Cowes (UK) in early August! Thanks for the report from Paul Gladdines! For more J/111 Benelux Van Uden Reco sailing information
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