The second edition of the HelgCup was supposed to continue the success story of the women's regattauf J / 70: Over 300 women sailors came to the Hamburg Outer Alster in mid-June to compete in more than 100 ten-minute races to get into the final race of the best eight teams.
Demanding conditions
114 races on three regatta courses had been scheduled by the race committee under overall race director Klaus Lahme, but the weather conditions did not make it easy for either the organizers or the sailors: everything from calm to storm warnings and thunderstorms was included.
Participants from ten countries
But the complicated conditions on the water did not affect the good mood on land. At the official opening on Friday evening, a prize was awarded to the crew with the longest journey: Two young teams from the Eastern Yacht Club on the US east coast made their way to Hamburg especially for the HelgCup. Crews from nine other countries were also on the start list.
Level increased
"It was fun to see you take off and sail," said overall race director Klaus Lahme, club manager of the NRV, at the award ceremony to the sailors. "The level has increased significantly compared to the previous year," said Lahme. This was also proven by the team that was victorious in the end and surprisingly prevailed against all favorites.
The YACHT reader team
The YACHT reader crew, who applied last year to the YACHT's call to grow together into a regatta crew within six months, were also satisfied. After a successful first day of racing with an intermediate result of 31st place, they finished 51st in the overall ranking.
"We have become a real team and have worked a lot for ourselves in a short time, which is now working. And above all, we just get along great," said taxwoman Tine Schade from Hamburg.
The date for the next HelgCup was announced at the award ceremony: It will take place from June 11th to 14th, 2020.