European Laser Radial Men's Championship 2008
Sat 12th July 2008 - Sat 19th July 2008
BELGIUM, Nieuwpoort
Sat 19th July 2008 - Day 8
Adverse weather brings an end to the European Laser Radial Men's Championship
All scheduled races have been cancelled today due to adverse weather conditions. Average winds of 23 knots have been measured close to the shore line this morning with steep waves in the bay. This afternoon winds of between 28 and 30 knots are forecast, calling an early end to the European Laser Radial Men's Championship 2008.
Fri 18th July 2008 - Day 7
First day of finals racing in the European Laser Radial Men's Championship
An issue with the start vessel caused a slight delay for the Radial fleets on the first day of finals racing. A replacement was soon found, the race committee members transferred and the boat positioned ready for the start, causing a delay of half an hour. Luckily, the wind was steady at 255-266 degrees and was between 16 and 18 knots. With the wind remaining consistent the race committee were able to start the second race back to back.
Matthieu Frei sailed well in the Radial Men's fleet today scoring a 2nd and a 1st allowing him to take the overall lead. Wojciech Zemke and Jon Emmett both had a disappointing race 9 scoring a 9th and 11 respectively but faired better in the final race of the day. Matthieu Frei takes the overall lead on 14 points, closely followed by Wojciech Zemke on 15 points and Jon Emmett on 17 points.
Thurs 17th July 2008 - Day 6
Overall lead switched again in the Laser Radial Men's Championship
In the Laser Radial fleets, the first race of the day was slightly delayed due to the pin end boat not holding anchor. Once this was resolved the first race got underway with a steady westerly wind of 12 knots at the start. All fleets started well without any recalls or even an OCS being given. Throughout the race the wind increased steadily to reach 16 knots at the finish with a consistent wind direction.
After a short break for lunch, the fleet got on the water again for race eight with winds in excess of 18 knots. The wind strengthened even more throughout the race to reach up to 21 knots, challenging those sailors unfamiliar with the choppy North Sea.
In the Laser Radial Men's fleet the overall lead has switched again. Yesterday's leader, Jon Emmett, scored a 10th and a 4th today taking him down 1 place to second overall. Wojciech Zemke scored a 1st and a 3rd today allowing him to take overall lead on 12 points, just 3 points ahead of Jon Emmett. Matthieu Frei (FRA) moved up to 3rd place.
Wed 16th July 2008 - Day 5
2 bullets help Jon Emmett recover his place at the top of the leaderboard
Day 3 saw Jon Emmett (GBR) recover his overall lead with two first places from Wojciech Zemke (POL) who also took a 1st place in race 5 and now sits only one point behind Emmett in second place overall. With only 1 black flag and 1 OCS for the two races the Men's Championship was managed well in the challenging conditions.
Tues 15th July 2008 - Day 4
Zemke Wojciech takes the lead in the Laser Radial Men's Championship
Day two of racing saw two races sailed in overcast weather conditions. During the first race the south-westerly wind diminished from about 12 knots to less than 10 knots. Again, there were several general recalls in the second race of the day.
Sari Multala (FIN) once again sailed ahead winning both races in the Laser Radial Women's fleet keeping her place at the top of the leaderboard on just 4 points. Also on the Women's leaderboard Sophie de Turckheim (FRA) keeps second place on 8 points closely followed by Evi Van Acker (BEL) in third place with 10 points.
In the Laser Standard Men's fleet, Tom Slingsby (AUS) stays in first place with a 1st and a 2nd today while Paul Goodison (GBR) moved up from third to second place. Zbogar Vasilijk (SLO) is third.
Zemke Wojciech (POL) leads the Laser Radial Men's fleet by 2 points over 2nd place Jon Emmett (GBR).
Mon 14th July 2008 - Day 3
Three sailors tie for 1st place after two races
Two races were sailed today in nice weather conditions with a westerly wind of 14 to 18 knots. While the first race went smoothly, there were some general recalls in the second race.
Tom Slingsby (AUS) won both races in the Laser Standard Men's fleet. Similarly, Sari Multala (FIN) won both races in the Laser Radial Women's fleet. In the Laser Radial Men's fleet joint first place is held by Jon Emmett (GBR), Michail Aristeidis (GRE) and Zemke Wojciech (POL) all on 3 points.
Sun 13th July 2008 - Day 2
Practice race sailed in 7-10 knot winds and sunshine
The final day of measurement was completed quickly and efficiently. Then, at 14h00 the practice race began with sunshine, blue skies and 7-10 knot winds.
After the practice race the European Championship was officially opened with an opening ceremony, happy hour and buffet: a great start to start the regatta.
Sat 12th July 2008 - Day 1
A full day of measurement in Nieuwpoort
Today was a full day of registration and measurement at the Koninklijke Yacht Club Nieuwpoort, in Belgium. More than 200 Lasers were measured without delay. There were beautiful sailing conditions with good wind and waves for the sailors that decided to practice in the bay