World O'pen Cup 2009

by Benoit Tréguilly on 30 Jul 2009
All the ingredients were in the mix for this 2009 World Cup that will live long in people’s memories: a superb stretch of water, a fantastic welcome from the host club at Medemblik and ideal sailing conditions.

Taking place against a backdrop of windmills, an off-shore wind farm and picturesque Dutch coastal villages, the races went of quickly and smoothly and some new race formats were tested, appropriately for the innovative spirit of the O’pen BIC. Double option triangles*, used from the start of the event, seemed to specially please the fleet of young racers.

In the heavy conditions of the first day, already the future winners were making their mark: Kevin Berger (Ned), Junya Fuji (Japan) and Vianney Bergot. In the girls’ category, Liede Lambriex (Ned) led the field by winning a race ahead of the boys. In the youngest category, once again the Dutch team led the way. The three days of racing came to a close on Monday with two rounds of boarder cross and freestyle on the menu.

A big party every evening and no race appeals allowed all the riders to enjoy these evening sessions with the same great spirit that marked the whole event (all penalties were decided out on the water, so the traditional discussions and arguments on the quayside after the races simply don’t exist at the O’pen BIC !)

An excellent result from the weekend of this World O’pen Cup 2009, showing how dynamic the O’pen BIC format is and how strongly established it is northern countries like Germany and Holland. A lively American team in from Miami showed how the discipline is growing in the United States, with Japanese rider Junya Fuji symbolising its growth in Asia.

See you in 2010 !

FINAL STANDINGS

Under 15s, Girls, Under 12s, Open

1. Kevin Berger (Ned) 1. Liede Lambriex (Ned) 1. Bart Lambriex (Ned) 1. Nicky Van Leewen (Ned)

2. Vianney Bergot (Fra) 2. Lisanne Zijlker (Ned) 2. Vasco Ackerman (Ned) 2. Diderik Vermeulen (Ned)

3. Junya Fujii (Jap) 3. Florin Stroo (Ned) 3. Tom Lugdhart (Ned) 3. Alexanders Lauffs (Ned)

All results and reports are posted on www.class.openbic.com