"EMIL TRAVEL PIG"
The X-442 "Emil Reiseschwein" has won the second stage of the NORD / LB Baltic Sprint Cup from Helsinki / Finland to Tallinn in Estonia and is thus also the overall leader in the NORD / LB Baltic Sprint Cup.
"Emil Reiseschwein" with skipper Stefan Hummelt from Buxtehude won the 45-mile sprint with one minute and 37 seconds ahead of "Inschallah" (Volker Andreae / Hamburg). The crew around skipper Hummelt, who was the only team in the top six in both stages, thus takes the lead in the overall standings with 6 points. In second place follows the Bavari42match of the NRV President Gunther Persiehl “Pippifax” (13 points), in third place the J-109 “Brinkmann & Partner” (Hans-Jürgen Riekhof / Schwerin, 15 points).
Particularly noteworthy: The victory of the "pig" came about despite an extended handicap. For an as yet unexplained reason, the X-442 had already lost its propeller on the first stage. Every attempt to replace the propeller in Helsinki had failed. Owner Stefan Hummelt had to inform the race management that the section to Tallinn could be completed without a screw. After all, it is an advantage for him to compete without a screw because the hull offers less resistance under water. The racing value (handicap factor according to which the different yachts are calculated against each other) was then changed.
The importance of the handicap was demonstrated by the fastest yacht in the field by far. Tilmar Hansen's “Outsider” from Kiel fought for the honor of First Ship Home again despite a torn head fitting on the Code Zero sail. In the overall ranking, however, it is only enough for 39th place.
For the third part of the race, the regatta meteorologist Sven Taxwedel promises around 4 wind speeds. Good prospects for the participants after the first two stages were rather weak winds. On Friday the regatta field will make its way from Tallinn to Riga.
Information at www.nordlbcup.de