EUROSAF Match Racing, European Youth Championship at Lake Geneva
by John Friend 8 Sep 2015 23:28 AEST
4-6 September 2015
EUROSAF Match Racing, European Youth Championship © Nelson Mattreux
Finnish team Markus Rönnberg win the EUROSAF Match Racing, European Youth Championship, which concluded on 6th September, on Lake Geneva, Switzerland.
The Club Nautique de Versoix hosted the fifth edition of the EUROSAF Match Racing, European Youth Championship, which is the official under 23 year old match racing championship of Europe, organised annually by EUROSAF. Light breezes on Lake Geneva dominated the first two days, making for some challenging racing conditions and difficult tactical decisions. Never-the-less, the race management team managed to complete the round-robin series and identify the teams to go forward to the semi and grand finals.
Sunday morning dawned with sunshine and winds between 10 and 15 knots, so absolutely perfect conditions for match racing, indeed, any form of sailing. In the first semi-final Markus Rönnberg (FIN) beat Victor Migraine (FRA), while in the second semi-final Guillaume Rigot (SUI) overcame Simon Bertheau (FRA).
After three days of close racing amongst the top teams, Markus Rönnberg emerged victorious over Guillaume Rigot, to take the gold medal, with Simon Bertheau winning the petite final and the bronze medal.
Overall Results:
1 Team MARKUS RÖNNBERG (FIN)
2 Team GUILLOME RIGOT (SUI)
3 Team SIMON BERTHEAU (FRA)
4 Team MIGRANE (FRA)
5 Team VOSE (GBR)
6 Team GALIATI (ITA)
7 Team KLITTE (SWE)
8 Team MILLER (GBR)
9 Team MORBIER (SUI)
10 Team ANANINA (RUS)
Markus Rönnberg and his team now gain automatic entry into the 2016 European Open Match Racing Championship, which is to be held at the Royal Danish Yacht Club in Copenhagen.
Ekaterina Ananina from Russia said ''I really like this championship, I come here with my team, I like my team, my four girls, like the job they did on the boat, first time with the coach Remy Donraadt from Australia, we have learned a lot in one week. Thanks to the organisation, it's a really nice and comfortable event. It's strange weather for us, because it was tricky winds, but really interesting, a really good practice for us! See you next year! ''
The Club Nautique de Versoix did an excellent job of organising and managing the event under the leadership and direction of Nelson Mattreux and on the water by Chief Umpire Adrian Bauder. The sailors also enjoyed an excellent social programme, including a very successful party on the Saturday evening. Happy sailors, happy organisers, happy EUROSAF!