The Inaugural F16s Pre-Season Catamaran Sailing Cup – 21 September 2018
11 boats competed in this first-time and already legendary event. A great turnout. The group prepped for a start in typical Omani light wind conditions – just enough to sail the proposed course round Fahal, to the wreck buoy and back. Luckily the OODs, Stephen and Roel, added some extra interest by laying a start line with a healthy bias to port. Those who tested the line beforehand knew which position to take, and ended up being the boats competing for the overall victory.
What followed was a surprisingly close race between the Hobies. Chiara and Klaus started later in their Bimare 16 and had only their handicap to compete against. Mike and Sally took the lead of the Hobie group from the start and never looked back. Behind them, it was close sailing between Johannes & Holly, Hugh & Graham and Ronald & Maartje, each gaining and giving away positions as they went along.
Rounding the island proved tricky for many. Hugh & Graham had misinterpreted the briefing and thought touching the island was part of the course. The boats still remained close though, fighting for space at the wreck buoy. In the end Chiara & Klaus took the wine quite comfortably, followed by Mike & Sally and Ronald & Maartje. All this left the sailors with plenty to talk about afterwards at the BBQ. A great start of hopefully an equally great sailing season.
What followed was a surprisingly close race between the Hobies. Chiara and Klaus started later in their Bimare 16 and had only their handicap to compete against. Mike and Sally took the lead of the Hobie group from the start and never looked back. Behind them, it was close sailing between Johannes & Holly, Hugh & Graham and Ronald & Maartje, each gaining and giving away positions as they went along.
Rounding the island proved tricky for many. Hugh & Graham had misinterpreted the briefing and thought touching the island was part of the course. The boats still remained close though, fighting for space at the wreck buoy. In the end Chiara & Klaus took the wine quite comfortably, followed by Mike & Sally and Ronald & Maartje. All this left the sailors with plenty to talk about afterwards at the BBQ. A great start of hopefully an equally great sailing season.