Brunnen, 19th of July 2016 / af. – The Swiss Boat “Junior” in the Moderns and the US Yacht “Lianoria” in the Classics were crowned European Champions in their categories in this years championship of the 6m JI Yachts. The regatta took place in Brunnen on the Lake of Lucern from the 16th to the 19th of July in ideal weather and wind conditions.
The 6m JI boats are amongst the most elegant yachts in the world. They weigh about 4 tons and enjoy a cult status amongst many sailors. They earned this status not only due to their majestic appearance but also due to the fact that today still many yachts of the early 1920s are being raced. The oldest boat amongst this years competitors was built in 1921.
To create faire conditions, the EC regattas were sailed in to categories: the „Classics“ (built before 1956) and the „Moderns“. There were a total of 31 Yachts at the starting line. With 11 boats the Swiss fleet was the biggest group in the field followed by the USA and Great Britain with 3 boats each. The other participants found their way to Brunnen from Denmark, Germany, France, Finnland and Norway.
All races of the EC were held on the Urnersee, the most eastern arm of the Lake of Lucern. There the sailers could benefit from the thermal winds of 4 to 18 knots the region is known for.
Competitors gave each other a run for the money
The at some times gusty winds caused some dodgy maneuvers at the marks. In the last race of the EC multiple boats arrived simultaneously at the windward mark. This lead to a collision between the boats in which one of them broke its mast. Several skippers filed protests that had to be settled by the international Jury. In their verdict, two boats were disqualified. This incident however had no influence on the final standings.
Swiss European Champion 2016 in den Moderns with a big lead
In the „Moderns“ the Swiss crew of “Junior” with skipper Jean-Luc Monnard of the Cercle de la voile de Vevey-La-Tour (CVVT) were so dominant, that their victory was settled already after 6 of 8 races. Runner-up was the US boat “Sting” with Russ Silvestri at the helm. The other Swiss boats sailed on positions 3,4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14 und15 on their local waters.
American crew triumphant in the Classics
In the Classic category the races of the final day provided the stage for a thrilling showdown between “Nada” from Great Britain with Skipper Poul Hoj-Jensen and “Lianoria” from the US piloted by Eric Jesperen. In the end the Americans managed to clinch the title from the Brits who had so far led the category so far. Therefore the european champion 2016 in the Classics is called “Lianoria” from the USA. The Swiss could not really profit from their home turf advantage as the bestes Swiss boat in the category was “Astree” with Philipp Dürr at the helm on position 10 followed by the others on position 13 to 16.
Much praise for the organization committee
Beat Furrer, president of the Swiss 6mJI class association, once again proved to be right for proposing an other EC in Brunnen to the International Six Metre Association ISMA. As in the event of 2010, again the sailors were thrilled by the good wind conditions and the breath taking panorama of the surrounding mountains in the heart of Switzerland. They were equally impressed by the perfect planning and conduct of event. Again, Furrer could count on the support of the organizing club, Regattavereins Brunnen (RVB), as well as the Fallenbach Shipyard.
In the prize giving ceremony, the gathered international sailing community thanked the committee under the lead of race officer Martin Koller, the main host Beat Furrer, and RVB president René Baggenstos, who also was head of the organization committee, with a long and hearty applause for their work, the hospitality, and for the successful event.
