Helsinki, FI (August 20, 2021) – After two days without sailing due to extreme weather conditions, official competition for the 2021 Evli 12mR World Championship resumed today with three races held in the Gulf of Finland, hosted by Nyländska Jaktklubben, NJK.
With pent up anticipation, the crew energy was palpable around sunny Helsinki harbor this morning as sailors raced to the NJK docks on bicycles and scooters. The first race started at 10:05 EEST, south of Isossari Island with steady 16-18 knot winds increasing to 20 kts+ in choppy 1.5-1.7m seas.
In Race One of the day (3rd of the series), Wings (K-15) led the fleet followed closely by Vim (US-15) and Blue Marlin (FIN-1). Wings was first to the weather mark and continued in the lead downwind until a malfunctioning spinnaker pole trip line resulted in the pole remaining on the lee side of the boat after a gybe. The following spinnaker takedown and late jib hoist further reduced Wings speed which enabled Blue Marlin and Vim to advance close abeam as the three yachts approached the mark. Vim emerged just clear ahead while Wings established an outside overlap on Blue Marlin. During the rounding Blue Marlin was on the receiving end of contact (3 “taps”) to her transom by Wing’s bow. As Wings completed her required 360 penalty turn, a mainsail batten parted ripping a hole in the mainsail. Shortly after this series of mishaps, Wings’ skipper hailed the Race Committee to announce their retirement from the race as they headed to the dock for a mainsail change; unfortunately they were unable to return to the course for the remaining two races of the day.