Warnemunde, Germany EurILCA Cup event July 2024
Charles Allen Toyn AUS196888 In the Zone
Day 1
We kicked off with an 18-25 knot offshore breeze under overcast skies, with temperatures below 20 degrees. Since I missed a training day, I launched early to test my setup and do speed checks. Everything felt good, and I was fast compared to others. After some final course checks, I was ready.
The first race began, but I soon noticed waves crashing over the back quarter of my boat—something was wrong. Realising I forgot to put the bung in! I decided to finish the race and drain some water during the downwind leg. This way, I’d at least avoid a DNC, which could help later.
I still wasn’t at full capacity for the next race, as I was unsure how to find a spare bung. Thankfully, I had one in my spares bag tied to the cockpit. With that sorted, I managed to hold my lane off the start line, even with some water still in the boat. I was inside the top 20 at the last top mark but dropped five positions due to my heavy boat nose-diving on the final downwind.
Day 2
I needed two top-twenty finishes to make the gold fleet. Though I initially planned to experiment with a higher-risk racing style, today called for a conservative approach. It was warmer but just as windy, with 2-3 meter waves from the ocean.
Both races started well, but I fell back after a few minutes. I made gains during the downwinds, where others were more focused on not capsizing. After several recalls, I finally got a good start in the second race and finished 16th again. I anxiously waited onshore and eventually found out I made the gold fleet by 10 places, sitting 40th overall.
Day 3
No racing today due to the lack of wind. After six hours of waiting, the day was abandoned.
Day 4
On the final day, we had two races in light 7-10 knot winds. With a guaranteed top-50 finish, I returned to experimenting. I pushed the start in the first race but had to duck behind most of the fleet to find clear wind. I fought back into the top 30 but made a mistake on the final upwind leg, dropping lower.
In the last race, I misjudged a wind shift at the start, leaving me in last place with 51 boats ahead. I kept fighting and finished 34th.
disappointing result, I’m grateful for the experience in Germany. I learned valuable lessons about big fleet sailing and the importance of sticking to my conservative style when needed. This mindset is something I’ll continue to develop as I aim to consistently sail closer to the front of the fleet.