International Knarr Championship – Conclusion report and results

by Sean Svendsen on 16 Aug 2010 International Knarr Championship concluded today with another race win by series leader Jon Perkins (STFYC – USA). The win left him with a commanding eight point lead over his brother and second place finisher Chris Perkins (STFYC – USA).

Danish skippers Soren Pehrsson and Lars Gottfredsen finished third and fourth overall respectively. Sean Svendsen (STFYC – USA) finished in fifth place. For Jon Perkins it is his third IKC championship (2010 SF, 2005 Oslo, 2002 Bergen), which puts him in a very elite group. In the 42 years the IKC has sailed, only Danish knar sailor Frank Berg has won more IKC championships.

Asked what was the single biggest factor in his series win, Jon Perkins pointed to his 'comeback in race seven', where he was buried at the start and clawed his way back to second. 'If we hadn’t done that, it would have been a completely different picture today'.

Jon also commended his crew Melissa Purdy (main trimmer/tactician), Larry ('Swifty') Swift (jib) and Tom Purdy (foredeck) for 'flawless crew work'. This is the sixth time the Purdys have competed in the IKC with Jon, and Swift’s first. Swifty is 'looking forward to his trip to Oslo Norway next summer' for the next IKC, as the winner is guaranteed a regatta berth to defend his title.

The race for second in this championship between Chris Perkins and Soren Pehrsson did not live up to the pre-race hype, as Perkins lead Pehrsson early on and never let up on the throttle. 'We were fast and never felt like we had to be in defensive mode', said Chris.

'In fact, we tried to attack the leaders throughout the race'. Danish skipper Torben Anker Sorensen lead the race very briefly, but eventually caved to fourth. Perkins also commented that 'unlike most regattas here on the Bay, this one was far less current driven' as 'nailing wind shifts was the key to success'. Regatta PRO Tony Chargin thought 'the competition was incredibly close'. 'Jon’s scores weren’t reflective of how close it really appeared to us on the RC boat'.

And while the regatta was raced all week under grey and overcast skies, somehow the Knarr lords saw fit to burn off the marine layer during the race and provide all of the competitors with perfect breeze (10-14 kn), sunshine and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Many believe it was the 'best IKC ever'. Certainly, Knud Wibroe, who has sailed in 38 International Knarr Championships said he couldn’t remember a better one, other than 1971 when I won it'.

Special thanks to the Regatta Team lead by Co-Chairs Mark Dahm, Terry Anderlini and Risley Sams. Countless hours of planning and execution went into making this an incredible event. StFYC Race Leadership (John Craig, Tony Chargin) again displayed their amazing race management skills by delivering on one of four International Regattas they will host this year.

Saturday Night the sailors and friends of the fleet celebrated in typical Knarr style with the Awards Banquet at STFYC. Comic relief, musical satire, fine wines, lots of aquavit and many 'skols' set the stage for a memorable evening and the best summary of it all: The Knarr cheer 'Shhhhhh, Shhhhh, Shhhhh …. Knepf!!!'

For full results, please click https://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/regatta_uploads/3148/2010IKCFinalResults.pdf!here.

For more information, please go to: www.sfbayknarr.com