23 July 2013

Moonsund is the longest established offshore sailing event in Estonia. This year’s regatta hosted a 113-boat fleet with crews and more than 700 sailors hailing from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and Sweden.

The regatta set sail on July 14 in Haapsalu and proceed through the ports of Heltermaa, Kuivastu and Pärnu towards the final destination Roomassaare. The new offshore sailing champions were determined in six different races of the week-long regatta that included both shorter circles and one through-the-night offshore race. Each class raced its own courses ranging from 161 to 257 miles.

The regatta was successfully completed by 110 boats, just three had to quit before the end – the regatta took its toll in two masts and one helm. In the beginning there was some search for the breeze but as the event progressed the winds kicked up to 11-12 knots giving sailors great competition in fairly good weather with lots of sun and just odd rain showers and overcast skies. The evenings in harbours were high-spirited and with lots to enjoy for both the crews and local people. The Moonsund Regatta proved once again that it is not just a celebration of great sportsmanship but also a festivity for all fans and well-wishers.

The award ceremony took place on July 20 in Roomassaare. The last evening was exhilarating and in festive spirit. The event was summed up by Egon Elstein from Estonian Yachting Union, Kalev Vapper, Commodore of ESS Kalev Yacht Club, Jüri Sõber, Commodore of Pärnu Yacht Club and Priit Kuusk, Member of the Board of Saaremaa Merispordi Selts. PRO Aivar Laus rendered thanks to all crews and sailors and Adomas Janulionis from a Lithuanian boat Loké spoke for all foreign guests expressing their gratitude for fabulous regatta atmosphere and the well-organised regatta. All champions and their boats were awarded beautiful and elegant glass trophies by artist Agnes Torm.

Information Manager of the Muhu Väina regatta, Piret Salmistu said: "Several ORC-class boats will race the seas in Sandham at the ORC European Offshore sailing Championships in August and many other local regattas in Estonia but all of them will be eagerly waiting for the 57th Moonsund Regatta in 2014!

The best of the 2013 Estonian Offshore Sailing Championship for ORC classes – 42 boats competed:

Group ORC1 – 9 boats
1. Amserv EST 550 – GS 42R – Juss Ojala – Dago Yachtclub – (3)-1-2-1-2-2 – 8 points
2. Forte EST475 – X-41 - Tammo Otsasoo – Kalev Yachtclub – 1-(4)-1-3-3-1 – 9 points
3. Olympic Online EST463 – X-41 - Tiit Vihul – Dago Yachtclub – 2-2-3-2-1-(3) – 10 points

Group ORC2 – 14 boats
1. Katariina II EST646 – Arcona 340 - Aivar Tuulberg – Pärnu Yachtclub – 1-6-1-2-(17)-1 – 11 points
2. Merepärl EST406 – First 36.7 - Alari Akermann – Pärnu Yachtclub – 3-3-2-(4)-3-3 – 14 points
3. Reval Cafe EST703 – Salona 38ibc - Eero Pank – Kalev Yachtclub – 5-8-(9)-5-2-2 – 22 points

Group ORC3 – 8 boats
1. Jazz EST465 – First 34.7 - Risto Riim – Kalev Yachtclub – 2-2-3-1-(3)-1 – 9 points
2. Passione EST462 – First 34.7 - Sven Heil – Kalev Yachtclub – 3-(8)-1-2-1-3 – 10 points
3. Katarina Jee EST464 – First 34.7 - Mart Tamm – Saaremaa Merispordi Selts – 4-(5)-4-3-2-2 – 15 points

Group ORC4 – 11 boats
1. Edasi EST11 – Polaris - Koit Pauts – Haapsalu Yachtclub – 2-3-3-2-2-(3) – 12 punkti
2. Kadri EST185 – Conrad 25R - Andres Haavel – Saaremaa Merispordi Selts – 4-1-4-3-1-(7) – 13 points
3. Prizrak RUS331 – Rikoshet-780 - Dmitrii Mostovoy – Moscow – 1-2-2-4-4-(4) – 13 points

 

Links

• Event's website
• ORC News