After a stormy week in the North Sea, 42 yachts started the Pantaenius Round Skagen Regatta yesterday afternoon. Even if the field does not come close to the usual 60 to 80 participating yachts, it promises to be an exciting race.
While the sea is slowly recovering after the tough weather conditions at the weekend and the wind is shifting to the west, crews must now be fast enough to make the most of the remaining winds. In particular, the yachts already sailing far to the north can still benefit from the remaining lows. The "Outsider", skippered by Bo Teichmann, has been leading the race since the beginning and is already off Hirtshals, followed by Mathias Müller von Blumencron's Class 40 "Red", which is now in Jammerbucht and is the undisputed leader in its class.
Meanwhile, Jan Hamester, who had previously considered himself to be the favourite, has to report considerable restrictions. This morning he reported from on board the Class 40 "Roaring Forty" that the main could not be reefed out due to damage to the lower edge of the sail. The autopilot also had to be dispensed with due to a loss of cooling water. However, he and his partner Kai Wunderlich will do everything they can to keep up. However, things are currently looking less favourable for the pair - they slipped from fifth to sixth place in ORCC Alpha at midday.
Two other boats had to give up due to damage. The "Static electric" suffered rigging problems shortly after the start and had to return directly to Cuxhaven. The "Oromocto" was hit even harder. At around two o'clock tonight, the crew noticed an unusual amount of water in the ship. After searching for the cause for two hours without success, the decision was made to turn back. With the pumps running, the wooden ship made it safely back to Helgoland and is now moored in the harbour there.
The Pantaenius Rund Skagen alternates with the race to Edinburgh, which takes place every two years, and runs from Helgoland to Kiel. It is considered one of the most demanding German ocean races. Most of the sailors are expected back in Strande on Thursday, only the "Outsider" has a realistic chance of crossing the finish line tomorrow. The sponsor Pantaenius invites all crews to breakfast at the Kiel Yacht Club on arrival.
Go to the Pantaenius Round Skagen tracker here.
