Storms stop racing on second day of the 5.5 Metre German Open
The storms that affected most of western Europe on Friday also caused all racing on Day 2 of the 5.5 Metre German Open to be cancelled. The morning brought high temperatures, a very hazy Chiemsee and next to zero wind. As the morning dragged on the storm approached and finally the wind rose from zero to 30 knots in seconds.
Though the first cell passed over, more was behind and by early afternoon the race committee took the decision to cancel for the day. Conditions are expected to improve from early morning on Saturday with every chance for four more races, though Sunday remains as a reserve day in case.
On Friday evening, the fleet enjoyed a leisurely cruise to Fraueninsel, the second largest of the three islands at the southern end of Chiemsee, which houses a convent of Benedictine nuns, dating back to the eighth century, and is one of the main tourist attractions on the Chiemsee. Dinner was served at the Wassersportverein Fraueninsel on the island's west coast. The forecast rain held off until the ferry returned to Seebruck.
Back on the water on Saturday, New Moon III (BAH 25, Jürg RYFFEL, Christoph BURGER, Peter VLASOV) will take a six-point lead into what is expected to be the final day. Ali Baba (GER 125, Wolf-Eberhard RICHTER, Beata KALKOWSKI, Jörg GRÜNEWALD) is second while randale 5.5 (GER 86, Frank STEIN, Giacomo CINTI, Nico GERIN) is third, though the points among the top five are very close.
The morning also brought the sad news of the death of H.M. King Harald V of Norway, Honorary President of the International 5.5 Metre Class Association, at the age of 89.
For the 5.5 Metre class, this loss is very personal. King Harald was a passionate and accomplished sailor — and a true friend of the international 5.5 Metre community.
As Crown Prince, he represented Norway in the 5.5 Metre at the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games. He also won the Scandinavian Gold Cup aboard Fram IV in 1968.
Many 5.5 Metre sailors will remember meeting him at 5.5 Metre events. His passion for the sport and his warm connection with fellow sailors were always clear.
The sport has lost a remarkable sailor, a respected supporter and a dear friend of the class. Thoughts are with the Royal Family, the people of Norway and especially Norwegian 5.5 Metre friends.
