(Frederikshavn, Denmark)- The 2018 Danish J/70 Sailing League kicked off
last weekend in Frederikshavn. The local Frederikshavn Sailing Club
hosted the event over the May 26-27 weekend for eighteen teams from
across Denmark. The fleet was treated to two good days of sailing,
enabling them to complete eleven races for the two days in the fleet of
six boats, with teams rotating for every race. The pre-regatta favorites included the Royal Danish YC KDY Team with four-time Olympic legend Michael Hestbæk as skipper. Hestbæk had previously sailed- and won- the Champions League with KDY, but this was his first time skippering. The Horsens Sailing Club crew was also formidable last season and their team this year was Jakob Nicolajsen, Jeppe Bregendahl, Mikkel Hougaard and Andreas Skjerning. Then, the host club's own team were defending two-time Danish J/70 Sailing League champions; their team this year was comprised of Rasmus Damsgaard, Søren Steen, Rasmus Melsen and Captain Kris Houmann.
After
the eleven races were completed, it was apparent the epic duel brewing
between KDY and Frederikshavn Sejklub would continue to grow in
intensity from the very first race of the first day. Both clubs won
virtually all their races in their heats during the rotations.
Frederikshavn won seven races, took two 2nd and two 3rds, and won the
event with just 17 pts total. Not lacking for competitiveness, the KDY
SHARKS won their last two races to add to their three 1sts to take
second on the podium with 20 pts total. Finally, the SEAHORSENS
finished in third with 26 pts total."A fantastic event and great support from our home town club members! The event has lived up to everything we could hope for and we are thankful for achieving victory at sea, at home! Amazing!,” said Rasmus Melson, crew member for Frederikshavn Sailing Club.
New record- fifth league victory!It was the fifth time in the league history that Frederikshavn won a competition in the Sailing League. No one has performed better- Hellerup Sailing Club comes closest with four wins.
KDY’s famous Danish skipper- Michael Hestbæk- sailed fast and smart but two fourth places in earlier flights ultimately cost them crucial points in their bid to overtake Frederikshavn.
Horsens Sailing Club team improved their overall performance quite dramatically. Skipper Peter Warrer commented that their club’s recent purchase of three J/70s made an enormous difference in the team’s preparation and training for the first event of the 2018 season. Singing Cheerleaders on-shore at Danish J/70 Sailing League! Sailing Highlights League promo video for 2018 Follow the Danish J/70 Sailing League here on Facebook For Danish J/70 Sailing League scores on SAP Sailing site For more Danish J/70 Sailing League information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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