2015 J/80 World Championchip kicks off next month

by Kieler Woche on 2 Jun 2015 2015 J/80 World Championchip - The one-design scene is changing, as newly emerging boat types are pushing ahead. The established J/80 class, however, does not fear the arising competition. They are expecting a sizeable and competitive fleet to compete in the World Championship off Kiel from fourth through 10th July. While German and Danish teams have already filed their entries, the number of teams from the South of Europe must rise yet to create a potential similar to that of the 2008 event. Back then, 65 crews had raced off Kiel too, to determine their world champion. The patronage for the up-coming J/80 World Championship has been taken over by the President of Schleswig-Holstein, Torsten Albig, himself a member of Kieler Yacht-Club.

“The J/80 class is developing very differently in the various countries. It all depends on class membership structures”, says Andreas Rose, President of the German Class Association. In contrast to Germany, where the class is predominantly driven by active owners, who tend to be very loyal to their boat class, Spain for example has many sponsored race teams, many of which have been suffering from the effects of the economic crisis. Its solid foundation, however, gives the J/80s a positive outlook on the future of their class, whereas other classes experience a serious threat from new developments like the J/70 and seem to disappear from the race course.

Quite the contrary happens in Germany with its growing class association to which younger members add new qualities. “We’ve had many switch-overs to the J/80 class who have stayed. The Bremen and Kiel fleets, in particular, have seen substantial developments,” says Rose. This way, there has been a boost in quality at the top tier of the class. “Although Martin Menzner from Kiel mostly races ahead of all the others, but the field behind him is very tight. If you don’t pay close attention – well, that was your race... says Rose. Nobody holds any secrets in the J/80 class: “Newcomers are always welcome to inspect the established teams’ trims.” Joint training sessions like “Go4Speed” which is offered by the German Sailing Association, make teams work together to increase their performances – and social evenings prove just how well this approach works. Andreas Rose: “It seems like we all have a common view on our type of boat, and maybe this goes hand in hand with a number of other shared interests.'

It remains to be seen who will get the title this summer, as there are no clear favourites yet. With a view to the entries so far, Rose is expecting perfectly prepared teams, as the teams from France and Spain generally do not pause during the winter season. There may also be surprises in store from the U.K. teams, and Denmark, too, has grown a strong fleet over the past couple of years.

On shore, visitors and sailors will find drinks and food stalls at the Event Center near the Sailors Lounge (Vaasa hall) and the RWE mobile baker’s shop will send out lovely smelling wafts of freshly baked waffles: The RWE conglomerate is the second largest electricity and gas supplier in Germany and presents itself as event sponsor of the J/80 World Championship. Furthermore, the Sailors Lounge will offer a sales stall by event sponsor Helly Hansen. “All those who for some reason have missed shopping at Helly Hansen’s at the sponsors mile of Kieler Woche, get another chance to choose from their wide selection of functional sailing clothing. On top of this, Helly Hansen supports the Kieler Yacht-Club team by providing high-quality weatherproof gear for our volunteers“, says Thore Hansen, general manager at Point of Sailing, who is grateful for the long-standing support of this Kieler Yacht-Club sponsor.

Another event sponsor is a sailing sport company connected with Kieler Yacht-Club membership ranks: Sailmakers Faber + Münker. KYC members Ulrich Münker and Christian Tinnemeyer will offer first aid to the athletes in case of sail damage. Regatta sailors will also have the opportunity to have their sails repaired (if need be overnight) by the established Kiel sail makers, who will even provide dedicated transport to and from the Worlds Event Center. Looking after the physical well-being of the sailors and volunteers, the “Friesisches Brauhaus zu Jever“ will provide free beer. Of course, they also offer non-alcoholic varieties like “Jever Fun” and soft drinks.

Sailors from all over the world will find optimal conditions on shore and ashore: The race yachts will all be moored at piers five and six in the south part of the marina, where moorings 221 - 241 and 256 - 310 have already been booked for them. All teams will receive a special daily weather forecast compiled by WetterWelt. This Kiel-based meteorological company has been on the market since 1999 and as weather consultants have been providing Kieler Yacht-Club and race managers for a number of years with current weather data essential to regatta organisation.

The Worlds will start on Saturday, 4th July with registration and measurement, which will continue on Saturday morning. A practice race will be held on Sunday, 14.00 hrs., whereas racing will commence from 11.00 hrs., Monday through Friday, with up to three races being scheduled each day. Depending on wind conditions, the races will be held off Bülk/Dänisch-Nienhof or on the Bay of Strande. From around 16.00 hrs., the yachts will return to their moorings. On Friday, the last starting gun will be fired at 14.00 hrs. the latest, as the prize-giving will take place at around 16.00 hours in the Sailors Lounge.

The latest news and information will be provided by the event homepage.

Online entries may be filed here, the notice of race and more information are available at website.