Solo Spring Cup at Medemblik - Preview
by Will Loy 2 May 2019 13:47 PDT
3-5 May 2019
Guy Mayger can grab a bullet in the upcoming Solo Spring Cup at Medemblik © Will Loy
The Solo Spring Cup is about to get under way in Medemblik and with 36 pre entries, is set to be a memorable regatta. The forecast will once again provide the contestants with a true challenge of strength and possibly bravery, such can be the ferociousness of the land locked IJsselmeer.
There are currently 13 UK representatives with North Sails Tom Gillard my favourite though North team member Tom Lonsdale may wish to disagree. Andy Tunnicliffe will be making a rare appearance for team Impact Marine and could provide one of the main challenges if he is match fit.
Chris Brown, fresh from his win at the recent windy Western Area Champs will relish the breeze while Guy Mayger who utilised hid HD set up to good effect at last years Nationals should be in the mix if it goes light on Sunday.
Class President Doug Latta will be looking to bounce back from a poor showing at the Spring Champs, possibly the curse of being President and all the burdens that it carries is having a negative effect on his placings. I forgot to mention those when I talked him into office. Still, Doug is quick behind the wheel and showed some blistering speed last season, even contesting the lead with Charlie Cumbley so if he takes those positive thoughts onto the IJsselmeer he may well bang in a few good counters.
Nigel Davies has been showing some improved speed and is also a lover of the big track and as team mate to Brownie, watch out for them two boat tuning and beat testing before the gun. A late entry may be Shane Mccarthy and if he can avoid a dip and I mean in the drink, not in Amsterdam, then he could well podium.
The Dutch fleet are improving year on year and though Peerke Kortekass is absent through injury there are some pretty skilled sailors coming through the pack. I contacted my Dutch media counterpart Marc Dieben for his thoughts:
"The Dutch are still trying to close the gap with the English sailors. The Dutch sail mostly on inland lakes and are not used to sailing on big water. Sailors like Hans Deutz and Arnd Wolvetang are the ones we have to keep a eye on. Hans is a former world champion in the Vaurien class and Arnd is leading this years ranking. Outsider is Roel den Herder (number 1 dutch Solo sailor 2018) who went on a training camp to Turkey last week especially for preparing for the Spring Cup. Unique is the presence of Jeff Dahl all the way from the United States which makes the Solo a truly international sailing class.
For the first time you can follow the race 'live' on the internet. As a test, a lot of sailors are using the RaceQS app. Through this app they track there races and they will be published with a 5 min delay at raceqs.com/regattas/69401"
I also got some comment from our UK class President Doug Latta:
"First chance before the Nations Cup scheduled in July in Carnac for the Dutch and English sailors to size each other up, a very high quality fleet, many of the Dutch sailors now often matching the English sailors. Notable absences through injury Will Loy and Peerke Kortekass. Winners Andy Davis & Lawrence Creaser from previous events not able to attend but Tom Lonsdale hoping to revisit his 2017 victory while Tom Gillard is hoping to demo his hiking skills and fitness to repeat some previous fleet-leading tactics.
"The cold air, strong winds and grey skies are looking like a repeat of previous years, with the inevitable short sharp chop presenting some challenging sailing, while Magic Marine's full range of kit will be required by the sailors as they do their best to keep warm. Everyone is hoping the OK fleet who start first don't have too many re-starts so that everyone can keep warm as they power up the first leg.
"With a break from the traditional visit to Braakboer's pub, the fleet will meet on Saturday night at the local Chinese restaurant, hopefully with a menu with something for everyone!
"For many Brits the Hotel Medemblik will be a welcome retreat after a hard day's racing, and all will look forward to watching Marc Dieben's videos which promise some fierce action. New Dutch Chairman Ariel Den Herder will surely stamp his authority on the event with his softly spoken yet incisive wit!
"T-45 for me as I head for the Harwich ferry at 4am, with co-pilot Guy Mayger so that's all for now!"
I will attempt to pertain enough information to provide some daily reports via WhatsApp interviews so do please check out the online tracking while I provide the dramatic background stories. The are eight races planned over the three days of competition starting Friday May 3 and the current Windguru forecast of fresh Northerly winds in the 20s.