European Championship 470 Mixed: No European Championship medals for 470 aces, but strength for the World Championships

The best German 470 mixed duos remain strong even without European Championship medals. In the Croatian waters of Split, Simon Diesch/Anna Markfort (Württembergischer Yacht-Club/Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee/Joersfelder Segel-Club) and Theresa Löffler/Christopher Hoerr (Deutscher Touring Yacht-Club/Segel-Club Chiemsee-Breitbrunn) had to put up with setbacks at the beginning and end of the European Championships. In between, they shone with fighting spirit, concentration and skill.

Thunderstorm cell on land disrupts 470 European Championship opener

Fifth place is not what Simon Diesch and Anna Markfort were aiming for at the European Championships after winning silver and gold at the Grand Slam classics Trofeo Princesa Sofía and the Semaine Olympique. They wanted another medal, but were denied one this time after missing the start and finishing eighth in the medal final. Nevertheless, their performance was strong. As were their 470 team-mates Theresa Löffler and Christopher Hoerr.

With two fourth places in the classics at the start of the season, they too had already shown where their Olympic campaign was heading. With sixth place at the European Championships, Löffler/Hoerr, like Diesch/Markfort, paid tribute to a black first day and ninth place in the medal final. "That first day was simply difficult with very unstable and light winds," recalls co-skipper Christopher Hoerr.

His description: "There was a sea breeze, but it was influenced by a thunderstorm cell over land. As a result, the wind was relatively unpredictable. We weren't able to bring our skills to the course. It was the same for other teams that day that you would normally expect to be further ahead." Both leading German 470 mixed crews returned to the European Championship harbour that day with three double-digit results each.

A one-day victory for Löffler/Hoerr

However, both then fought their way back into the top ten race after race. Löffler/Hoerr initially managed to do this more effectively and faster than Diesch/Markfort on their 470 "Sunny" with a win on the day. At the end of the series, however, Löffler/Hoerr still managed two double-digit results, while Diesch/Markfort were back on top form with 3rd, 2nd and 3rd places. They started the medal race with a chance of bronze, but were left without any precious metal at the end of the series with a wide range of wind conditions.

A mass early start and the corresponding recall spoilt Simon Diesch and Anna Markfort's first successful start in the medal race. Anna Markfort said later: "We had said from the start that the most important thing for us was a medal. That's why we went all out. We played a little game with the French on the first attempt at the start, which we won. However, the start was a mass early start, which is why there was a second start. Of course, the French were forewarned and didn't make it quite so easy for us."

Theresa Löffler and Christopher Hoerr had also set their sights higher than ninth place for the medal race. The helmswoman summarised the 470 final as follows: "It didn't quite go according to plan in rather light winds of six to eight knots. We had hoped to do better, but we got a bit stuck in the middle at the start and then didn't really get into the race from there."

470 coach Lovegrove praises the fighting spirit of his crews

Both crews acknowledged their European Championship performances and placings with a smile and a tear in their eye. They feel well prepared for their course to the World Championships, which will take place from 6 to 14 June in Gdynia, Poland. Anna Markfort said: "We were extremely unhappy here at the European Championships after the first day. We then analysed and made a few changes, then continued the series with focus, which paid off in the end."

We are satisfied because it could have been much worse after the start. Of course, we're not satisfied because as competitive athletes we always want more." Anna Markfort

Coxswain Theresa Löffler also drew a mixed balance: "We managed to keep a clear head and focus after the start. That went really well. We had difficult and good days at this European Championship. We're actually very happy with sixth place. It's our first top ten result in a major title series, which we're very happy about. It's going in the right direction. It was a good medal race experience, especially for the World Championships, a good week to show that we have strong nerves."

470 mixed coach Steve Lovegrove also praised his protégés: "Climbing back up the ladder after a tough first day, putting up a good fight and finally having a chance of a medal was a really good and focussed performance from both crews here. Of course, it's always a bit disappointing at the end to have a chance of a medal but then not get it, but that's the nature of the sport. From my point of view, both crews did a lot of the things we've been working on well. I'm very happy with that."

470 World Championship: the highlight of the year is near

Lovegrove also sees potential in the following, newly formed GER crews such as Theres Dahnke/Paco Melzer (12th) and Malte Winkel/Paula Schütze (20th): "They are all very talented sailors who are now travelling with new teams. That can be a challenge. But I hope for their sake that they reach their potential. They are working hard for it."

Spain's Jordi Xammar and Marta Cardona won the European Championships in Croatia on the final day, ahead of Martin Wrigley/Bettine Harris (Great Britain) and Matisse Pacaud/Lucie de Gennes (France). Click here for the final results of the European Championships. The German crews now have a break of around two weeks before travelling to Poland for a preliminary training session in the week before the World Championships. Then the highlight of the season begins, which they are all looking forward to. They will be able to report on exactly how things went there shortly afterwards at the Kieler Woche home event.