RS500, RS800 and RS700 French Open Skiff overall

by Heather Chipperfield on 18 Apr 2016 The Easter weekend saw the 14th French Open Skiff, hosted at Lac du Der in Chapamgne.

48 boats from seven countries competed, including 10 RS500s, 10 RS800s and not less than 14 RS700/MSP - a great start to the 2016 race season. Great enthusiasm despite a very early Easter and a poor forecast. Good to see Jakub and David to represent the 700's Czech team. Congratulations to Anneke Kikhert and Floris Stapel who came in first of the RS500s, at sixth overall.

Largest artificial lake in Europe, Lac du Der, is perfect for this event and despite the general meteo alert, we were able to sail great with various conditions. As usual the infrastructures offered an « all inclusive » event and allow us to focus on the sport and the conviviality.

During three days before the event, a coaching was assured by Gilles PEETERS (RS800).

The regatta starts Saturday with tree good races under the sun and 8-10 knots. The race committee choose to use average time lap races to reduce waiting time between more or less fast boats.

Sunday was windy with more than 20 knots. At this game the best trained Musto and RS800 are in the top positions of the two races. With the wind and the water temperature a part of the fleet will not finish but they was welcomed ashore with hot-wine or chocolate.

After the meal, pancakes and beers are available during a big singing contest between countries.

Monday, the meteo forecasts is confirmed: too much wind for the races. A good occasion to try the surprising RS Aero with it's 5m² sail (thanks RS France).

Three Musto are on the podium, congratulations to the great sailors!

Next year as proposed by Ben Schooling- the winner- everybody should come with another friend in their boat!