Congratulations to Przemek Miarczynski (POL 013) and Olga Maslevits (UKR 9) 2011 Formula European Champions. The prize giving was held at the Rock Cafe in the city centre.[more]
A big thunderstorm on the eve of the last day of racing caused wall to wall waves at the beach, breaking a long way out. The plan was for 2 Gold fleet races back to back – podium places were in the balance with all to play for. Silver fleet and the ladies would not be racing in these conditions.
The average wind speed on the course for the first Gold Fleet start was 15 knots but increasing . . . 16 knots but gusting 25! Recovery would be difficult – they could not be brought to the beach safely so would have to be recovered to the harbour.
The first finishers in the first race were – BRA 3333, ARG 3, ISR 1 but then the Race Officer decided it was not safe to continue. The committee boat could not be anchored and it was not possible to hold position. With only 2 boats available and the wind forecast to increase there would be no more racing for the day and therefore the competition was over!
Top 3 Men – Przemek Miarczynski (POL 013), Arnon Dagan (ISR 1), Michael Polonowski (POL 16)
Top 3 Women – Olga Maslevits (UKR 9), Agnieszka Pietrasik (POL19), Annika Valkna (EST 146)
First (European) Master – Martin Ervin (EST 202)
First Light – Alexandr Cousin (FRA 752)
First Youth – Andrius Sliuburys (LTU 153)
First Grand Master – Arvydas Moliusis (LTU 789)
Footnote: Could one more race have made a difference to the outcome – with just one point between second and the European title?
Arnon had this to say after the event, “Well he had good gear and he is a great sailor + it was really light 8 to 12 knots shifty wind all the event until the last race. Pont is one of the best course racers in the world. He was already 3rd in the formula worlds in Santa Pola 2 years ago with more or less the same gear and he was 1st in the Europeans in Sopot as well.”
Photos:
Registration day
Day one – racing
Day one – more photos
Day two
Day two – more
Day three
Day four
Day five
Final day & Prize giving
VIDEO
Interviews with the Champions:
Interview with Olga
Interview with Przemek
