Written by L53, edited by L147
The regatta started on Saturday 22nd February by registration and measurement. The measurers were focusing on masts (weight and center of gravity). Quite a few masts were found under weight, but the problems were solved by additional lead weights available at the site. The weather was mild with some centimeters of wet snow on the ice. Altogether 121 sailors representing 16 nations registered for the event.
Sunday morning was the time for the opening ceremony and first skippers’ meeting. In the opening speeches it was mentioned that Säkylän Pyhäjärvi and Kristalliranta is the preferred location for ice sailing competitions in Finland. The Worlds were sailed there in 1998 but the following regattas organized by Finland had to be sailed elsewhere. This time was to become a positive exception. The snow had melted away and there was some water on the ice. The wind was good and the ice was fast. The day started with qualifications and by the end of the day all three fleets had two starts done. When reaching shore, there was German after sail party waiting with nice hot dogs and good bier.
Monday morning started with fog but after it cleared away, the race committee was able to conduct the races with good pace. All fleets sailed 4 more starts and all sailors were happy. Although the regatta was already complete with the A fleet having 6 starts sailed, there was a strong commitment to continue the regatta, although there was certain concern with the weather. Forecasts indicated warm weather and rain.
Tuesday morning did not show rain yet. But there was far too much wind out on the lake. The race course area did not allow a long enough course to be laid out for that wind. The races were postponed hour by hour and finally the day was called off. Surprisingly, the lake did not receive much rain, but the visibility got poor in the afternoon. However, spirits were raised by Sweden, arranging nice bouillon with reindeer-stuffed traditional breads.
On Wednesday morning the conditions were not promising. The committee went out to check the ice and lay out the race course. After this was done, the yachts were invited to the course area. The course was not very long but on the other hand, the wind was light. A fleet had one successful start but after that the wind changed direction. There was not enough room to turn the race course because of some cracks and holes. The yachts needed to return to shore with no more starts for that day. The disappointment was remedied in the great Swiss cheese bazar, serving also excellent Swiss wines.
On Thursday morning many sailors felt it was too unlikely to get any good race course out on the deteriorating ice. But the race committee was out there early and was able to set up a good course. The ice had flattened out completely and was in good shape. The course was not too long but luckily the wind was light. The race committee really utilized the day to the full extent. All fleets sailed the maximum 5 starts. This meant altogether 12 starts for A fleet and 11 for B and C fleets. When reaching shoreline, there was a traditional Finnish sausage service before the prize giving in the restaurant. Based on the weather forecast it was decided not to continue with the Euro Cup following days. Thus, the Euro Cup results were calculated based on the 5 last starts in EC.
Overall results and the podium positions:
Gold Fleet: 1. C20 Rasmus Maalinn 2. P114 Michal Burczyński 3. P155 Łukasz Zakrzewski
Silver Fleet: 1. L132 Oscar Lindell 2. P74 Jerzy Taber 3. Z78 Ueli Marti
Bronze Fleet: 1. T4 Antanas Gerasimavicius 2. C59 Ott Saar 3. C77 Lisbeth Taggu
The Regatta was powered by multinational race committee led by Jerzy Sukow. We had officers from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland and Sweden. An on ice race office wagon was used and it was found very valuable.
There was plenty of photos and videos taken during the event. Here are links to some of them:
https://www.youtube.com/@dnclass
The regatta was organized by IDNIYRA in co-operation with organizing country Finland. The event was supported by: Kristalliranta, Rakennuskonevuokraus Saramäki, Savuhovi, Yyterin Sinappi, Skarcon, Palkintopaja, WB Sails, Sportrec, Kwindoo, Icewise, Nostokonepalvelu, Brunberg, Sieravuori, Tackla.
Photo credits: Rola Lora.