July 24.- 27, 2002

arranged by

Skælskør Amatør Sejlklub  

The happy (and wet) Champs 2002!

Despite harsh weather in the days before the regatta all the boats except SWE-5 made it to Skælskør even if it meant a broken mast (DEN-8), a broken boom (DEN-18) and some delay (DEN-37). DM2002 was again a great success and the events contained lots of drama, excitement and great races in wind speeds from light to heavy. Everything which one could ask for for making a regatta successful. The weather conditions gave no problem in sailing all the planned 8 races. Wednesday, the sails were measured and the crews rested to gain energy for the following tough races. The regatta was also officially opened and included a visit to the city hall and a speech by the City Mayor and beer, soft drinks and snacks were served. Thursday, we had 3 races in wind speeds from about 10 to 15 m/s, and it became clear very quickly that there was one boat, DEN-63, which sailed better than all the rest. Only the first time participant, DEN-18, could threaten DEN-63. On the third day of the regatta the wind speed had decreased to medium but with some rain showers. In contrast to the day before the boats now used their genoa, but even if the conditions on the water were drastically different, DEN-63 kept its leading positions after the 3 races. DEN-18 came, however, closer after some very good sailing. Also DEN-5 and DEN-67 showed that they still had the power to win the races by sharing the first places of that day. Everything could therefore happen in the last day's 2 races, which took place in very light to light wind. Due to premature starters everyone was called back in the first race and the ZULU-flag was shown in the repeat start. Many, however, did not see the flag and several  (including DEN-7 which sailed a very nice race and finished first) were on the wrong side of the starting line in the last minute before the start. The race was shortened due to the light wind but in both this and the following race which was sailed in moderate wind and flat water DEN-87 showed that the light wind was exactly their specialty and finished first. DEN-63 sailed however very wise and tactically and showed with a 4^th and a 2^nd place who were the right champions. The crew on DEN-18 did not like the light wind conditions and the rest of the competitors to the championship guarded each other to a degree that they only obtained secondary places. No one could threaten DEN-63. 

CONGRATULATIONS with the Championship, Ulrik Larsen and the crew on DEN-63! 

DEN-87 obtained a 2^nd place after a very strong and stable race series. The first time participants in DEN-18 ended 3^rd which was also an excellent achievement.

Everything was functioning ashore where the crews before the races got breakfast and lunch packages. The main sponsor, Harboe Brewery, offered free beer and soft drinks on the pier after the races. Thursday evening, a barbecue party was arranged and on Saturday evening a very nice dinner followed by prices to the winners and speeches by the head of the regatta, Jens Kolding, and the president of the BB10m-Club, Claus Jespersen. It was a pleasure to see so many of the crew members had brought their family with them to the regatta. This gave lots of life on the camping ground next to the harbor since children, spouses and friends were greats supporters to the crews on the water.

A great regatta! And lots of congratulations to SAS, the referees and the many officials on the water and ashore.

Final results

Number of participants         :   19 
Score  DNC,DNS,DSQ etc. :  26.0 points  
ZPG - place             =  List + max 4 places    (20%-punishment)

Pictures from the regatta (click on the pictures to get them in a larger size):

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