2015 Kieler Woche – 29er Class overall

by Debbie Darling on 1 Jul 2015 2015 Kieler Woche – Kiel Week 2015 saw ten GBR 29ers competing within the 85 strong fleet from 15 countries. The fleet was split into three flights racing a windward leeward course.

Despite the light four to eight knot winds on day one the RO managed to complete four races. Germans dominated with light weights Paul Pietzcker / Linus V. Oppen (scored 1/1/1/4) ahead Gwendal Lamay / Luke Willim (5/9/2/1) in second; and third Hinnerk Siemsen / Sören Brandt (8/6/2/1). Top Brits were Dan Venables / Patrick Keech (5/10/1/4) in sixth.

Qualifying continued in light conditions on day two, where consistency was key on the snakes and ladders course. The patchy wind filled in during the day, finally shifting right to a sea breeze direction; and maxing at 12 knots but dying as the last boats finished at 19.30. The Spanish girls took the overall lead - Carla Munte / Marta Munte (4/2/3/2/2/2(6)1) ; in second Peter Lin Janezic / Anze Podlogar (2/5/4(29)2/2/1/2) from Slovenia; GER in third Safia Schuchmann / Anisah Schuchmann (1/3/2/6/2/4(8)2); the Brits had a good day with Dan and Paddy in fourth (4(10)1/4/1/1/7/4) whilst Crispin Beaumont / Tom Darling (3(14)9/1/1/7/3/1) moved up to fifth.

The fleet split into Gold/Silver/Bronze for day three and raced on the TV course see here or Youtube. The wind was shifty and patchy, especially near the shore, but resulted in exciting, tactical racing in winds ranging from eight to 18 knots! With a second discard in play the Slovenia’s Peter and Anze were ahead with (2/5/4(28)2/2/1/2/2/1/(22)/10); Crispin and Tom had moved up to second with (3(14)9/1/1/(7)/3/1/4/7/4/5).

The final day dawned sunny with eight to 12 knots building to 15 knots. The Slovenia’s showed why they came sixth at the Worlds, with a solid display of consistency. They won the regatta with a 3,8,2,1. Crispin and Tom held onto second whilst Germans Gwendal and Luke took third; Spanish girls Carla and Marta in fourth, fifth were Dan and Paddy.

The Race Officer Robert Niemczewski did an amazing job completing four races a day for three flights. Thanks to Kieler Woche for hosting a fantastic event.

Final results