Russians ahead

Magic Marine SB20 European Championship gets underway in Medemblik

Day 1 of the Magic Marine SB20 European Championship dawned in Medemblik, Holland with barely a puff on wind and the first two races were run in very gentle conditions. As the day progressed the wind increased and the sunshine arrived.

Race 1 was won by Anna Basalkina (RUS), at her first International SB20 class championships. Basalkina will be one to watch given her form in this first race; previously she sailed the 470 and Yngling classes for Russia at the Olympics.

Oleg Zherebtsov/Rodion Luka (RUS) put in a great performance today and were rarely far from the front of the fleet. They appear to be performing well in their new boat and lead the fleet after the first day of racing.

After a poor first race, Craig Burlton, Roger Gilbert and Stephen ‘AB’ White found their groove and put in two further strong performances and lie 7th over night.

Geoff Carveth (GBR) in his newly branded WKD ‘Have you got a wicked side?’ SB20, is sailing with Lesley Dhonau, Roger Hudson and Kate Macgregor. They appear to have gelled well as a crew having only sailed together last weekend at the Dutch Open Championships, where they won. Roger Hudson (RSA) and Kate Macgregor (GBR) have both just finished their Olympic campaigns in Weymouth, in the 470 class and Match Racing Elliot 6m respectively; it’s great to see them sailing in the fleet.

Andy Oddie (GBR) and Paul Gast (NED) had a great third race, but lost out on the final leg as the pressure filled in from the left hand side of the fleet. All in all, today was a great day on the water, the racing was competitive and the race management was slick and efficient. What more could the fleet want? Free beer and snacks on the return to the pontoon perhaps? Yes, that was available too!

Today’s conditions may have lulled the fleet into a false sense of security. The forecast is for more and more wind as the event progresses; this will certainly sort the men from the boys. Racing continues tomorrow on Day 2 of the Magic Marine European Championships tomorrow when three further races are scheduled.

Full results here