It took the "Luft" 5 days, 13 hours, 35 minutes and 9 seconds to be the fastest ship, winning the prize for the fastest monohull. The crew also broke the record for the IRC calculation and knocked the "Wet One" from last year's throne. This record now stands at 6 days, 19 hours, 14 minutes and 31 seconds.
Skipper Alf Henryk Wulf's "Stardust" and Max Müller's "Prettynama 2" were the third and fourth ships to reach the finish line after just over seven days.
Manthos and Kroner sailed on Manthos' Class 40 "Cheekytatoo". The Stuttgart native only bought the boat a few months ago after his Atlantic tour on a Hurley 18 to sail non-stop around the world. The MidsummerSail is one of many planned test runs for the boat and the project. Jonas Kroner is part of Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink's team and is currently preparing for the Mini Transat 2025.
Nicolas Manthos talks about the two youngsters' successful race in an interview:
YACHT: Congratulations on the great performance, Nico, you rocked the race and finished a close second, well ahead of the chasing pack. After this experience, which is more exciting - sailing single-handed across the Atlantic in the little Hurley or in pairs on your own Class 40 to the end of the Baltic Sea?
Nico Manthos: Thank you! We have just left for the return transfer. It's more exciting with the Class 40. You're constantly busy. There's a lot more to trim. And it's not so relaxed in the wind.
You were constantly on the leading X of winner Carl Urban, with the rest of the field a long way behind. What was it like leading the field as a duo with such a big lead, and at your regatta debut?
It was cool to chase the X! At the finish in Törehamn we talked to the crew and we all said that the race wouldn't have been as exciting without the others. My goal was to win, but unfortunately it wasn't quite enough! But I'm very happy with my first regatta. Losing to the "Luft" was no disgrace. There were ten of them on board. Even with sailing professionals.
Were your expectations of the MidsummerSail fulfilled?
Yes, it was fun! With a real offshore feeling at times. The beautiful long route really suits me. And it was super varied. First the tricky start in Wismar, where it's super flat. And at the end through the islands to Töre, that's cool. The landscape there is fantastic. Shortly before we arrived, we were stuck in the doldrums in the middle of the night. The sun was shining, we were floating on the spot and the birds were chirping. Very beautiful!
What was it like to sail double-handed with Jonas Kroner?
Jonas said yes quite spontaneously, otherwise I would have sailed alone. It harmonised well. I was able to learn something from him and take something away from his regatta experience. We know each other from Lorient, he was there with his Mini for training and we were the German community. A few nights in the Irish pub brought us closer together (laughs).
What was your rhythm like?
We were careful about sleep and made sure we got through it well. But the last two days in particular we didn't get that much sleep. We had to step on the gas because we still had the option of getting the "air". We were usually 20 to 30 miles behind, but on the last day we were able to close the gap to 15 miles. But then they had more wind just before the finish, while we were already in the doldrums. In the end, we crossed the finish line five to six hours later. They arrived in fantastic weather with sun and full moon at the same time, unfortunately we had rain ...
Are you happy with your new boat, a Class 40?
Yes, mega! We didn't break anything, everything worked. There were a few problems with calibrating the autopilot, but nothing else. Well, and new sails would be great.
How are you planning the way back?
We are now travelling down the Swedish coast. While I'll be working in Austria for a while, the boat will be moored in Stockholm and then we'll continue on to Cuxhaven, either non-stop or in stages. Maybe non-stop on my own, if someone wants to come along, probably in stages.
About the MidsummerSail:
Shortly before the longest day of the year the regatta on the German Baltic coast and runs over 900 nautical miles across the Bothnian Sea and Bottenvik to the northern end of the Baltic Sea. Both cruising and regatta sailors take part in the race with great ambition to complete it. Those who can, complete the trip non-stop. But stopovers are allowed - as long as the time window at the end is not exceeded.
