Last weekend I had the chance to participate to the Swedish Club Championship of International One Design class hosted by IOD flee Sweden in Almösund.
I had already sailed some of these boats previously and since one team was short of bowman and spinnaker trim, I gladly jumped in at the invitation of the skipper on number 37.
In spite of the wonderful sun, the wind did not show up on the first day and we struggled to complete 2 of the 4 planned races.
In the end we paddled back for a while and a we were motored in by the start boat.
Nice weather offered a chance to barbecue at the harbor and we had a fine chatty evening aboard a fellow sailor’s yacht.
The second day started with the fleet paddling out of the harbor and being motored to the start, not very promising. The wind picked up however after a about two hours. We sailed the remaining 4 races in 4 to 6 knots of wind.
Perhaps not the best results, but considering it was the first time ever for the crew to sail together, not so bad either for number 37.
International One Design yachts are known to be fast in light air and I was impressed both by their speed and acceleration in spite of barely any wind. It amazed me how sensible to trimming these boats are and how fast they react to it.
Beautiful experience with many very capable sailors. A little deviation from our focus on shorthand sailing. Extremely giving to sail one design, showing clearly how trim affects boat speed and being able to play pure tactics.
…and some pics
