Baltic Yacht Racing

- Fancy some sailing? - my friend asked.
- Sure thing! - I replied without trace of temptation.

Decision was made quickly. Adventure is adventure. Isn't it?
No special preparations, no planning and no stress. Our team of five (me, my father, my friend Dominik, his father Andrzej and Tomek) was bit amateur and little bit pro. Only Andrzej had previous experience in regatta. Dominik is passionate sailor experienced on Delphia 24 One Design boats. Rest of us had something to do with water, wind and sails.

Four Delphia's ready to go

This yacht racing was starting from Łeba, going to Ustka and back next day. Goal was aimed to great fun and promotion of cooperation between those two coastal cities. There was four Delphia 24 racing yahts taking part in that competitions. Those boats still need some promotion as well. Quite young thus modern design all made in Polish yacht shipyard should soon be popular all over Europe.

Marina in Łeba

Boat is light, yet very stable. 250 kg of ballast lets big sails (21 sq m mainsail, 10 sq m jib and 45 sq m genaker) work. Delphia is easy to sail, but one needs some skills to sail it fast. But there was right one to steer in our crew: Dominik.

On our way out

Other crew showing off   

Ready to cross start line

Because of some fuss on start and small mistakes we began on 4th - last position. Soon we caught up Ustka crew and sailed next them for over an hour chatting and having good time.

Head to head with Ustka team but still on last position

Thanks to less mistakes and better ballasting we made it!

We finally overtook them

Rest of race was hard work and good tactic. We moved away from other crews. Two decided to go close to coast, the leading one went quite far into the sea. Our way turned out to be best. At the wery last hours of race we were almost sure that we are going to win. We arrived about 25 minutes earlier than second team and soon we received words of accolade from other crews and organizers.

We made it to harbour in Ustka 1st!

Tired but content

Mayor of Ustka toast

We spent all evening eating fish, drinking lager, chatting and singing. Our accommodation was bigger and older sail boat of Dominik's friend. Night was good, but swinging. Storm wasn't that bad and my sleeping bag was wet only in one spot. Thunders moved away after just two hours and I slept for few hours.

Second day: Neptun in bad mood

Looks good but windy

Next day was much colder and wind was stronger in the morning. Due to my painful stomach problem I decided to withdraw and go back overland. But my team fought to the end with 3rd result. According to official polish yacht racing rules we ended with second place.

Awards

It was indeed nice adventure and I hope to sail more. Next time inshore hopefully!

Thanks my crew!

Ahoy!


More pictures at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/alanhynek/LebaUstkaLebaYachtRacing
http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/2795790/1/Regaty/2011-08-27/?h=eece5b